The BVRLA has officially confirmed Jon Lawes, managing director of Novuna Vehicle Solutions, as the new chair of the association, with Lakshmi Moorthy from Arval becoming vice chair.

Jon Lawes, managing director of Novuna Vehicle Solutions

Lawes takes over from Nina Bell, whose tenure was extended to three years due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and has almost 30 years’ experience in the fleet and leasing industry.

He has been on the BVRLA’s Committee of Management since 2015 and was appointed as vice chair in April last year.

Lawes commented: “I’m delighted and honoured to be appointed, especially as we are going through some challenging, yet exciting, times in the automotive industry. I’m passionate about accelerating the transition to alternative fuels, solving society’s challenge to decarbonise and overcome barriers to electrification, the biggest of which being confidence in our UK charging infrastructure.

“I’ve learnt a great deal from my time on the Committee of Management, and as vice chair, and look forward to continuing to deliver key initiatives such as the 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 can transition with confidence.”

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney officially welcomed Lawes as new chair at this week’s AGM, commenting: “We are pleased to welcome Jon into this role and are excited to see what the BVRLA will achieve under his leadership. With a wealth of experience to draw on, supported by his close involvement with the association and the industry’s transition to net zero, Jon will undoubtedly oversee some significant milestones in the coming years.”

He added: “Our gratitude is extended to Nina Bell, who steered the association through the most uncertain, tumultuous period we have ever faced. Under Nina’s leadership, with the support of the full Committee of Management, the BVRLA and its members are emerging from Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing vehicle supply challenges in a positive position, able to look forward with optimism.”