Head of fleet Peter Horton to leave Renault

Justin Costello has been announced as the new UK head of fleet for Renault and Dacia following the departure of Peter Horton.

Horton was appointed to the role two years ago, having spent the previous four years as the manufacturer’s national corporate sales manager.

During a 13-year career at Renault UK, Horton has built relationships with some of the UK’s biggest fleet customers serving the brand in various roles, including conversions manager.

Costello will join Renault in March after spending the past decade at Volkswagen Group, most recently as national fleet manager for Cupra and Seat, a role he took on in October 2020 after serving three years as national fleet manager for Seat.

In a statement to Fleet News, Renault said: "We are pleased to announce that Justin Costello will be joining Renault Group, at the start of March to take over the role of head of fleet. We would like to thank Peter Horton for his strong dedication to the business over the past 13 years and wish him well for the future."

Writing on LinkedIn, Horton said: “After an incredible 13-year journey with Renault and Dacia the time has come for me to say goodbye and embark on a new chapter.

“This decision was not easy, and it's filled with a mix of emotions – gratitude, nostalgia, pride at what I’ve achieved and a healthy dose of excitement for what lies ahead.”

Adding that there were too many people to acknowledge individually, he did pay special tribute to Partrick Whyman, who was national rental and mobility manager, and former head of fleet Mark Dickens.   

On Dickens, he said: “Thanks for being a mentor, inspirational boss my ‘work dad’ and a friend.”

He also thanked Vincent Tourette for his “leadership, trust and empathy” that he said helped progress his career.

He added: “I’m leaving behind a great team, Lerato Barrett, Paul Charlton, Ian Mills, Vicki Hughes, Peter Fox, Chris Durden; thanks for the years of support and dedication to the cause.

“To the rest of the team, the wider Renault, Dacia and Alpine family, customers and suppliers, there’s too many of you to thank individually so it’s a big collective thank you.”