LEN Clayton has left Hertz Leasing after just 18 months as managing director. Former managing director of Swan National, and one of the best known figures in the leasing industry, Clayton joined Hertz last year in a surprise move from Swan National. He described the departure from Hertz as 'amicable' and said he was actively looking for new opportunities within the fleet industry where he has worked for the past 21 years.

'We mutually decided for a variety of reasons that it was appropriate for us to go our separate ways. I wish Hertz well in its very aggressive growth plans - the staff deserve success,' said Clayton. In the short term he will be replaced by acting general manager Philippe Op de Beeck, who has been seconded in from Hertz Leasing International.

Hertz Leasing has lost a number of senior personnel over the past couple of years, including Clayton's predecessor Stephen Barrett, finance director Larry Hayon, marketing director Andrew Yuille and sales and marketing director Henry Hopkins, but Op de Beeck said there was no pattern to their departures. Meanwhile Hertz Leasing is continuing its search for a new brand name.