Hertz Global Holdings has appointed former Smashburger UK chief executive, Tracy Gehlan as chief operations officer.

Reporting to Michel Taride, group president, Hertz International, Gehlan is based at the car rental company’s International headquarters near London, UK.

Taride said: “Tracy has an outstanding track record of operational excellence, team leadership, top talent development, and business management and growth.

"Her sincere passion for customers and employees along with her exceptional depth of operating expertise will be a tremendous asset to our company.”

Gehlan (pictured) has assumed overall responsibility for delivering sustained growth, efficiency and customer service across Europe and Asia Pacific’s operations.

Bringing 23 years of operating expertise from previous roles at Smashburger Master, Burger King Corporation and The Restaurant Group, she has also served in operational management positions over a nine year period at The Restaurant Group.

In addition, Gehlan has also held a non-executive directorship with the British Retail Consortium as Board Member, Scottish Retail Consortium (2008-2011).