Vehicle rental company Burnt Tree has announced plans to launch a dedicated contract hire and leasing operation.

The company has appointed Mark Howell, formerly of Ryder Group, in the newly created role of director of contract hire, with the remit of establishing the operation over the next couple of months.

Howell brings more than 30 years’ experience in the multi-temperature and commercial vehicle contract hire sector, where he has developed long-term relationships with the leading supermarkets, restaurant chains and distributors.

Richard Metcalfe, chief executive of Burnt Tree Vehicle Rental said: “Mark boasts an impressive track record of success, which includes taking Carrier Transicold from third position to undisputed market leader and transforming Euroway into the successful business that led to its subsequent acquisition by Ryder last year.”

When asked about his ambitions for the new contract hire division, Howell said: “I believe that recent acquisitions and consolidations have left the industry crying out for an experienced, specialist contract hire and fleet management provider that combines state of the art IT and technology with the highest possible service levels. Burnt Tree, with its outstanding reputation for quality and service, was the obvious choice for me.”

He added: “I’m looking forward to developing this new division of the business and applying my skills and knowledge to building a team of key industry sales personnel to sit alongside the already professional management and operational teams here at Burnt Tree.”