MANAGING director of Highway Vehicle Management Colin McLean has resigned as a result of differences of opinion with the company's parent, General Guarantee, over the future strategy of the contract hire firm. He described his departure as amicable but disappointing, after spending seven years with the company, which has offices in Stirling, Worcester and Crowthorne, Berkshire.

As managing director, McLean oversaw the acquisition of Highway by financial services group Great Universal Stores in 1997, and an official statement from the parent group paid tribute to the role he had played. His replacement is Ian Grant who has been appointed acting managing director with immediate effect. He was operations director of General Guarantee, Highway's immediate parent, and has been a non-executive director of Highway since February 1997.

He declined to comment on the areas of strategy disagreement, but said GUS remained totally committed to Highway, and will continue to support and invest in the company which it temporarily put up for sale at the end of last year, before deciding against a disposal. McLean joined Highway in 1991 when the fleet numbered about 6,500 units. It now has 20 vehicles. He hopes to remain involved with the fleet industry, continuing his role as chairman of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association, a post he will vacate after two years in March.