CONVINCING companies of the valuable role of the UK fleet manager will be one of the priorities for the new chairman of ACFO.

Julie Jenner has become chairman of the fleet industry body she joined as a member 14 years ago.

A former fleet manager, she is now key solutions manager for GE Commercial Finance, Fleet Services.

Jenner is working on a day-to-day basis with fleet operators and employees who retain strategic fleet responsibility as a result of their company outsourcing the fleet management function.

She said: ‘My role at GE means I work as a fleet manager for many different organisations in different sectors, so I’m aware of all the many different problems companies face.

‘Key issues facing fleet managers include keeping up to date with legislation, introducing green initiatives and ensuring companies understand the vital role of the fleet manager.

Even if they outsource they still need a fleet expert in the company overseeing things.’

Joining Jenner on the ACFO board are Stewart Whyte, managing director of Fleet Audits, Brian Ingham, managing director of Ace Vehicle Deliveries, and the recently elected trio of Liz Hollands, fleet manager at property advisers DTZ, John Pryor, group car fleet and travel manager for the Arcadia Group, and Phil Redman, fleet manager of IBM.

Former ACFO director and chairman Tony Leigh, who stood down earlier this year, continues as its company secretary.