Currently general manager at Hertz UK, Neil is now in line to succeed the association's current chairman, LeasePlan's Kevin McNally, when he completes his two-year term in May 2011.

An economics graduate from the University of York, Neil has a huge amount of experience in the vehicle rental industry, across the UK and in Europe. He joined Hertz as fleet director in 1996 before being promoted to his current position in 1998. Neil was responsible for the company's entry into the car sharing market in 2008 with the launch of Connect by Hertz in London, Paris and New York.

"Having worked in the vehicle rental industry for more than 25 years, I have seen what a vital role the BVRLA plays in helping to maintain standards and provide a fairer regulatory environment," said Mr Cunningham.

"I hope I can contribute to these efforts and continue the excellent work achieved by my predecessors."

The BVRLA has also appointed four new vice chairmen to its member committees. Elliot Lennick becomes the new vice chairman of the BVRLA Commercial Vehicle Committee. Elliot is chief executive officer of MAN Financial Services, where he is responsible for Northern, Eastern and Western Europe. In 2000 he established MAN Financial Services in the UK, where it now manages around 10,000 vehicles.

The new vice chairman for the Leasing Broker Committee is Martin Brown. Martin is the managing director of Fleet Alliance and has led the business from its inception in 2002 to a fleet of over 8,500 vehicles today.

Simon Oliphant is the new vice chairman of the BVRLA Leasing and Fleet Management Committee. Simon is chief executive of Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions and also sits on the board of Hitachi Capital (UK) Plc. He began his career at Hitachi Capital in 1988, joining the board of Fleetlease UK following it's acquisition by Hitachi in 1991. Fleetlease was renamed using the Hitachi brand in 2003.

The new vice chairman for the Rental Committee is Alison Chadwick. Alison is director of regional operations for Thrifty Car and Van Rental and has experience of working for large multi-nationals and smaller independent rental companies during her 20 years in the industry.

For all the latest advice and information on fleet management, have a read of our fleet operations section.