Select Car Leasing co-founder and joint CEO stepping down

Select Car Leasing has announced co-founder and joint CEO, James O’Malley, has decided to step down from his role. 

O’Malley is departing Select Car Leasing to focus on personal projects.

The firm was founded by O’Malley and fellow co-founder and CEO Mark Tongue in 2004.

Headquartered in Reading, Berks, it has risen from an ambitious small start-up to become one of the biggest brokers in the UK, with more than 120,000 vehicles leased to date and close to 300 employees across 12 sites.

Tongue said: “James’s departure marks the end of an era for the business, as he has been a key part of Select Car Leasing since its inception in 2004. 

“Over the past two decades, James has achieved remarkable milestones and made significant contributions to the success of Select Car Leasing. 

“James was instrumental in the design and implementation of the company’s customer relationship management (CRM) system, which is integral in delivering a five-star customer service.

“While this is a big change for us, I’m excited about the road ahead for Select with the board of directors we have in place - including Managing Director Graham Conway and Financial Director Barry Anderson - and the proficient skill set they bring to the table. 

“The management team will continue to build on the strong foundations that James has helped to lay.”

He added: “As we bid farewell to James, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to him for his co-leadership, vision, and commitment over the years. We wish him success and happiness in the next chapter of his journey.”

Select Car Leasing will continue to operate with one CEO. 

Read our interview with O'Malley and Tongue, detailing the broker's ambitious growth plans.