Essential Fleet Services has announced changes to its leadership team, including increased investment and involvement by chairman Andrew Cope and the appointment of Greg Taylor as managing director.

Greg Taylor (front) and many of the Essential team at the Lincoln head office.

Under the changes, Taylor will lead the board and is responsible for the strategic and operational direction of the business. He joined the business in June 2016 as commercial director with over 20 years’ senior leadership experience in the contract hire and leasing industry including as operations director at ALD Automotive.

Mark Gallimore will replace Taylor as commercial director from 3 April and brings over a decade’s experience of the contract hire and leasing industry from various roles at Alphabet including his current positions as general manager, sales.

In addition, chairman Andrew Cope has significantly increased his investment in the business and since January has been taking an active role as executive chairman. Cope was previously founder and chairman at Zenith and more recently executive chairman and owner at FMG.

The changes follow the recent departure of CEO Ray O’Toole and come as the company reports a number of major contract wins since the start of 2017, including Harlow Borough Council, Cardiff City Council, Milton Keynes Education Trust and Ayton Products.

Greg Taylor commented: “I’m really excited to be leading Essential Fleet at a time of operational transformation and growth. There is no doubt that this business is now delivering on its great potential. I’m confident that investment in our people, operating sites, technical expertise and owned rental assets will bring the continued success that we are all working so hard to achieve. Delivering value and service excellence to our customers is at the forefront of everything we do.”

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