LeasePlan has announced that Matt Dyer (pictured), managing director of its UK business, has been appointed as president and chief executive officer of LeasePlan USA, with LeasePlan Italy’s MD, Alfonso Martínez, replacing Dyer in the UK.

Martínez (pictured below) will be responsible for continuing to optimise the customer experience through LeasePlan’s Customer First ethos, supporting LeasePlan’s sustainability ambitions and assisting in the transformation of LeasePlan into a fully digitally enabled business, it said.

He takes on the role of managing director of LeasePlan UK from January 1, 2019 and subject to FCA approval.

Alfonso Martinez - new MD for LeasePlan UK

He said: “The UK and Italian businesses share considerable synergies, thanks to our significant indirect and direct business success.

“The plans for the business moving forward can only propel us further as a company. I am confident that the future for LeasePlan is bright and I am pleased that I can take a further leading role in it.”

Martínez has worked for LeasePlan since 2006, with previous roles including chief financial officer of LeasePlan Spain, and most recently, managing director of LeasePlan Italy – a role he has held since 2012.

LeasePlan says he has delivered impressive results for the Italian business and is regarded as a highly experienced and established leader. Martínez will be working closely with Dyer over the coming months to ensure a seamless transition.

Dyer’s appointment to president and CEO of LeasePlan USA is also effective from January 1, 2019. Dyer has over 20 years’ experience working for LeasePlan, including over four and a half years leading the business.

During his tenure, Dyer has been instrumental to the improvement of the business, growing the fleet to its largest size of 185,000 and ensuring a clear focus on all customers.

In addition, he is currently Chairman of the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA), playing an active role in representing the needs and challenges facing the industry in the UK.

He said: “The changes at the top of our business highlight the Power of One LeasePlan. We are one business, not defined by geography or borders. We welcome Alfonso to the UK business and look forward to working closely with him over the coming months.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as managing director of the UK business and I wish Alfonso the very best in his new role.”

To replace Martínez, Alberto Viano, has been appointed managing director of LeasePlan Italy, effective from January 1, 2019. Viano joined LeasePlan Italy in 2003 to setup the Risk Management function. He later took on the role of business unit large fleet director, before becoming finance director in 2012.