Fleet Alliance names Martin Brown as chair of new-look board

Martin Brown has been appointed chair of Fleet Alliance, as a new chief executive and chief operating officer join the business.

Brown previously held the position of managing director at the Glasgow-based fleet management and leasing broker.

Andy Bruce takes the role of chief executive officer and Nigel McMinn joins as chief operating officer. Both new recruits come from automotive retailer Lookers.

Brown said: “I am delighted to welcome Andy and Nigel to lead our next phase of expansion. Their experience of creating growth, considerable manufacturer relationships, and extensive knowledge gained in the retail sector, will be invaluable to the company as we position ourselves for the future.

“Fleet Alliance has grown significantly into a premium fleet management company since the business first started. But now the time is right for the longer-term development of Fleet Alliance and an injection of fresh new thinking as the leasing sector becomes more mainstream.

“In my new role as Chair, I will continue to have a key input to the business and draw on almost 25 years of experience in the leasing market. Although I will be stepping away from my day to day role, I will work with Andy and Nigel on strategy, while representing the interests of the shareholders.”

The new executive structure is the most significant change to the board since the inception of the company nearly 20 years ago.

Bruce, a former CEO of Lookers, along with former COO Nigel McMinn, have between them extensive high-level management experience and together grew Lookers into one of the largest motor groups in the UK over a period of seven years.

Bruce said: “The leasing broker sector has grown to become an important part of the automotive landscape and I am convinced the company has many opportunities ahead of it. Not only can it continue to benefit from the growing popularity of leasing to both consumer and enterprise sectors, but it can broaden its capabilities to embrace the increasingly important mobility sector.”

McMinn added: “Fleet Alliance is the leading broker in the corporate and SME leasing market and the aim is to develop this side of the business as the market moves to EVs. The Intelligent Car Leasing personal leasing brand for consumers has shown significant growth in recent years and has the potential to accelerate further. It will be a key focus of mine to bring experience from the franchised retail world to maximise this opportunity.”

Fleet Alliance recently launched a new salary sacrifice scheme with focus on offering zero-emission cars to SMEs.