BILL Hill, a founding member of the Association of Car Fleet Operators and the organisation’s first chairman died in hospital on Thursday after a short illness.

Hill, who was 85, spent most of his working life in the car industry. He was employed for many years by the Wincanton Group where he was transport manager and then became a director of the business taking responsibility for fleet sales.

It was during this time that he played an instrumental role in launching ACFO, which was founded in 1972, and has gone on to become the UK’s leading representative body for fleet operators. He was chairman until 1992.

ACFO director Stewart Whyte, who joined ACFO in 1985 when Hill was still heavily involved in the organisation, said: “Bill and his colleagues showed tremendous foresight in launching ACFO.

‘When ACFO was founded the concept of fleet management as a serious business issue was still in its infancy. Today it is an integral part of the majority of businesses in both the UK and internationally.

‘That ACFO continues to expand and increase its sphere of influence on behalf of fleet operators in the UK is a tribute to the foundations that Bill set out, with others, back in the 1970s. Bill was the last of the founders of the organisation, and he was in regular contact until very recently.

‘I know Bill was very proud of the success that ACFO has become. Our condolences go to his family.’