Jon Lawes, managing director of Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions (HCVS), has been appointed as the new vice-chair of the BVRLA’s Committee of Management.

Jon Lawes, MD Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, will hold the post of vice-chair on the BVRLA’s Committee of Management

Lawes joined the committee in 2015 and will hold the post of vice-chair for 12 months.

He commented: “I’m honoured to be representing HCVS at this level. I’ve learnt a great deal from my time on the Committee of Management and see this position as a great opportunity to accelerate solving society’s challenge to decarbonise and overcome barriers to electrification, the biggest of which being confidence in our UK charging infrastructure.”

Lawes has been managing director at HCVS for six years, taking the leasing company from a fleet of 62,000 to 95,000 since 2015. He’s also served as a BVRLA Committee of Management member for six years and was sworn in as vice-chair at the AGM on 25 May.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said of Lawes’ appointment: “We are all looking forward to working with Jon. His experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we address the big issues facing our industry and continue to support our increasingly diverse membership.”

Lawes commented: “I’m delighted to continue working with Gerry and the Committee of Management to continue to deliver the BVRLA Plug in Pledge to operate 1.3 million plug-in vehicles by 2025. To achieve this, we need the continued backing and support from the Government and Department for Transport to ensure businesses and communities have access to charging infrastructure. As vice-chair, I will be looking forward to working closely with the BVRLA team to achieve this ambition.”