JOHN Lewis, executive director and deputy chairman of Dial Contracts and a director of Dial Holdings, has resigned after 10 years with the company. Lewis, who is now looking for a new position within the UK contract hire and leasing industry, officially left the company on November 30, although he has been on 'gardening leave'. He told Fleet NewsNet it was his decision to leave and added: 'It is time for fresh challenge.'

Prior to joining Barclays-owned Dial, which operates a fleet of around 50,000 units, in 1990 Lewis spent three years with Camden Contracts, which was also owned by the Bank before the two companies were merged. Previously he was employed by Bristol-based UBM Fleet Drive.

Ian Goswell, executive director of Dial Contracts, said the company was disappointed to lose Lewis. Steve Cox, commercial director of Dial Major Corporate, will take over Lewis's role in addition to his present responsibilities, reporting directly to Brian Fowler, chairman and chief executive of Dial.