Nigel Stead is the new chairman of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

Mr Stead, managing director of Lloyds TSB autolease, took over the role from John Leigh, who came to the end of a normal two-year period of office.

Mr Stead said: “I’m very pleased to be asked to take on this role. It’s quite an honour and my challenge will be to help drive the BVRLA forward over the next two years.

“There are many issues and problems for the industry to handle but the BVRLA forms a focal point for the industry and is a real instrument for change and improvement, not only directly for members, but for customers and their drivers as well.

“We’ve got some exciting new developments coming through the pipeline – new products, new information services and a new helpline. We also have our ongoing work with government in the UK and across into mainland Europe.”

The BVRLA also appointed chairmen of sub-committees. Peter Cakebread, of Marshall Leasing, becomes chairman of leasing. Other committee chairmen are Brice Adamson, of Enterprise Rent a Car, for daily rental, and David Farbon, of Fraikin, for commercial vehicle rental and leasing.