THE new director-general of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association will be John Lewis, operations director of debis Car Fleet Management. Lewis will take the post at the start of next month, replacing Norman Donkin, who will remain for a month to ensure a smooth handover before stepping down.

Lewis said: 'This is a challenge I relish. We will be looking for membership growth and to continue our dialogue with Government at all levels to ensure a level playing field for our members and to see they are not unfairly disadvantaged in any way.'

Lewis joined the contract hire industry in 1983, having worked with UBM Ford as general manager of truck sales. As the figurehead of the BVRLA, Lewis will take responsibility for 800 members controlling more than two million vehicles in the rental and leasing industry - about 60% of the company car fleet.

Donkin, who spent five years as director-general, said: 'I have spent a very happy time at the BVRLA. Although the industry undoubtedly faces many problems, there are none that it has not faced and overcome before.'