RENAULT is entering a period of consolidation in its fleet business after a period of dramatic growth as it appoints a new director of fleet and commercial vehicle business. On Monday Mike Power retires after five years in the post and will be succeeded by Keith Hawes, currently director of franchising and dealer development.

Hawes is no stranger to the corporate side of Renault's UK operation having spent a period in the early 1990s as head of its fleet department. But since then Renault's position in fleet has changed dramatically. Hawes said: 'I don't really look on my new appointment as a coming home because the company has changed significantly. Our fleet business is probably three times the size it was. The job also gives me a position on the main board which it didn't before which is an indication of how seriously fleet is taken.'

Renault's fleet department now handles about 100,000 cars and vans a year compared to approximately 40,000 five years ago. Hawes's aim is to focus an existing business rather than press for further growth.