THE BVRLA is looking for a new CEO to take the rental and leasing association forward.
It follows the news that current CEO Gerry Keaney (above) is retiring end 24, following 11 years at the helm having succeeded John Lewis.
The new role will certainly be different to the one Gerry stepped into. During his leadership, the BVRLA has overseen significant growth and development across its core activities. Annual revenues have increased threefold, while membership numbers have expanded by over 50% to more than 1,000 organisations.
In particular, leasing broker members of the BVRLA – 320 – now make up more than a third of the association as the sector’s influence increases at the same time as compliance via the BVRLA’s programme becomes central to operational viability.
“Under Gerry’s leadership, the BVRLA has been transformed. The association looks very different to a decade ago, its professionalism and value delivered to members have increased immeasurably. Coupled with exceptional growth, the BVRLA has continued to extend its influence in Westminster. Our voice is consistent and more credible than ever. Gerry will undoubtedly leave the association in a stronger position.”
Jon added that the BVRLA now needed to identify a suitable successor for the CEO role.
During his time as CEO, Gerry navigated the association through Brexit, the Covid pandemic and terrorist attacks involving rental vehicles.
His tenure als saw the introduction of a new Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service, while in policy and public affairs, the vehicle rental and leasing sector’s voice has become more evident and respected than ever.
Zero percent Benefit in Kind rates for electric vehicles were secured in 2020, before additional credits for car clubs and vehicles for disability use were introduced with the ZEV mandate in 2024. Other achievements during Keaney’s tenure include the extension of the Plug-in Van Grant, protections for members around access rights for connected car data, and working with DfT to establish the Rental Vehicle Security Scheme (RVSS).
“I have been fortunate to work with some of the most passionate, knowledgeable and ambitious people our sector has to offer. The BVRLA’s performance over the last decade has been nothing short of exceptional. It has been a privilege to lead the team that makes it happen, backed by an army of supportive members, industry colleagues and a very engaged Board of Directors. Together, we have transformed what the BVRLA stands for and the role our industry has with government, regulators and consumers.”
Prior to joining the BVRLA, Keaney spent nine years as a member of Volvo Car Corporation’s Management Board as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service.
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Ralph Morton is the leading journalist in the leasing broker sector and editor of Broker News, the website which provides information and news for BVRLA-registered leasing brokers. He also writes extensively on the fleet and leasing market in both the UK and Europe.
