Greg McDowell has been appointed the new managing director of Marshall Leasing, replacing Peter Cakebread who retired in April.

Marshall Leasing says Cakebread’s replacement has extensive experience in the financial services and leasing industries, and is a qualified accountant. 

McDowell was most recently head of strategy at Northridge Finance and Marshall Leasing, and led the integration of Marshall Leasing with Bank of Ireland UK, following its successful acquisition by the Bank in 2017. 

Prior to that he held a number of senior roles with Bank of Ireland within its corporate banking and strategy divisions.

James McGee, managing director of Northridge Finance wished McDowell success in his new role. “I know he will provide strong strategic and customer focus for Marshall Leasing as the business enters the next phase of its development,” he said.

“Greg brings a wealth of commercial experience to the role which will be key as we look to generate strong fleet growth.”

Marshall Leasing has a fleet of around 8,500 units comprising cars, light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and minibuses.

Headquartered in Cambridgeshire with 40 staff, it provides fleet management services throughout the UK across a broad range of services and businesses. It also operates in the school minibus and bodyshop channels.

McDowell said he was “delighted” to have been appointed MD of Marshall Leasing and was looking forward to working with the team as it grows its fleet over the coming years.

He continued: “Marshall Leasing has a proud tradition of working in partnership with our customers, and this has been more important than ever over the last 12 months.

“Furthermore, Marshall Leasing enjoys a strong and supportive relationship with both the BVRLA and recently formed AFP.

“Given the fast-changing and increasingly complex nature of the motor industry, having proactive industry representative bodies is more important than ever and we will continue to play an active role in both of these organisations.”

Cakebread announced he would be retiring after 30 years at the helm in March, having joined the business in November 1990 and helped establish Marshall Leasing as a leading FN50 company.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my career at Marshall Leasing. I would like to congratulate Greg on his appointment and I’m confident he will lead the business to continued success with a strong customer ethos remaining central to the business’ values.”