New interim director announced at Defra Group Fleet Services

Tony Stevens has been appointed as interim director at Defra Group Fleet Services, the Government body which manages the fleet for several non-departmental public bodies, including Environment Agency, Natural England, Animal and Plant Health Agency and Rural Payments Agency.

Stevens takes up the role on May 1, replacing long-standing fleet boss Dale Eynon, who departs after almost 20 years heading the 5,000-strong vehicle fleet at Defra and Environment Agency, where he most recently steered its electrification and optimisation strategy.

Eynon, who was inducted into the Fleet News Hall of Fame this year, will officially leave at the end of June and is likely to take on some fleet consultancy work. One of his final undertakings will be as a panellist on the Fleet News at 10 webinar, which airs on June 27, a position he has held since inception in 2021.

He said: “Leaving a business that has given me so many wonderful opportunities to build a more sustainable fleet has been truly rewarding, but as I now seek other challenges, I know I’m leaving the fleet in very capable hands.”

Currently corporate property manager for the Environment Agency, Stevens has been with the organisation for just over five years having previously worked in the recruitment industry for more than 20 years in various disciplines.

He told Fleet News:  "I am truly honoured and thrilled to be joining Defra Group Fleet Services. This department has already achieved remarkable successes, thanks to Dale's outstanding leadership and the tireless efforts of the team.

“While Dale leaves an extraordinary legacy to uphold, I am confident that, with the dedication and brilliance of the fleet team, we will continue to build on this success and reach even greater heights together.”