CHANGES have been announced at the top within Leasecontracts, GE Capital Fleet Services' niche leasing business. Richard Bennell has been appointed general manager in succession to Tom Stephenson, who is to head a new product development department being set up within GE Capital Fleet Services' Salford Quays headquarters.

Bennell will focus on 'moving the business forward' in line with GE Capital Fleet Services' policy. The Leasecontracts' fleet numbers some 12,600 vehicles largely run by blue chip City-based companies. Bennell was previously southern regional manager at Avis Fleet Services, also a member of the GE Capital Fleet Services group which he joined three years ago from Lex Vehicle Leasing where he held a number of regional sales management positions.

In addition, to strengthen the leadership of the business further and to build on its high customer service profile, a new senior position of director of Leasecontracts has been set up. It will be filled by Arthur Dalziel, who also retains his responsibilities as director of corporate communications for GE Capital Fleet Services. Dalziel joined the company from BMW. The changes have been announced following the retirement of the last of the founding directors of Leasecontracts and GE Capital Fleet Services director of corporate communications Geoff Becque.