Alphabet International has announced that former CEO of Alphabet (GB), Richard Schooling, will leave the business at the end of 2020.

Schooling joined BMW Group in 1997 as a part of the original management team that first established Alphabet. 

Following a number of roles in Alphabet and BMW Financial Services, he became CEO of Alphabet (GB) between 2011 and 2016, during a period of rapid growth for the business.

Alphabet, the fleet management division of BMW Group, bought ING Car Lease for 637 million Euros in 2011, doubling its risk fleet and propelling it up the FN50. 

In a single stroke it took Alphabet’s UK fleet size from a little over 47,000 vehicles to almost 95,000 – and straight into third spot in the FN50.

Following his five years as CEO of Alphabet (GB) he moved to Munich to join the Alphabet International Management Board as Global CCO. 

Schooling said: “I look back on my years in the group with huge pride, and I’m very happy how Alphabet has come from a being a start up to a company now present in 31 markets operating a portfolio of over 700,000 vehicles.

“I will leave Alphabet International on the best possible terms and I have passed on my best wishes to the management team for the future.”

Marco Lessacher, CEO of Alphabet International, said; “I have known Richard for many years and would like to thank him for his invaluable contribution to the BMW Group over the past 23 years.  I wish him every success for the future.”