Two highly respected and long-serving leasing executives became the latest to be inducted into the Fleet News Hall of Fame sponsored by the AA at the FN50 Dinner.
Zenith chief executive Tim Buchan and recently retired TCH Leasing managing director Mark Hammond have a combined 62 years of experience in the contract hire and leasing industry and both have served on committees for the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association.
Buchan, who announced his intention to retire from the leading independent leasing company during Q1 2025, has overseen huge growth during his time at Zenith.
He joined as sales and marketing director in 2005, becoming employee number 82, with the company funding 12,000 company cars.
He was appointed group operations director in 2008, and CEO in 2010. Today, Zenith employs more than 1,400 staff, with 170,000 vehicles under management securing its place in the FN50 top 10.
Being named three times as the Fleet News leasing company of the year is a testament to Buchan’s leadership over the past 14 years.
He is also a key figure across the industry, taking influential roles with several associations, including the BVRLA’s Committee of Management and the Automotive 30% Club.
Among the many testimonials proposing his entrance into the Fleet News Hall of Fame was this one.
It reads: “Tim is one of the best mentors I’ve worked with. He imparts his knowledge with a calmness and simplicity that enables others to learn. Coupled with a restless desire to challenge and improve, alongside a character that always treats people fairly and decently, he is an incredible strategist, a sharp entrepreneur and a thoroughly decent guy. It has been a pleasure to work with him.”
Mark Hammond graduated with a law degree and later qualified as a chartered accountant before seeking a new challenge which took him to the leasing sector.
He joined his TCH Leasing in 1987, expecting to gain a few years’ experience before moving on. The rest, as they say, is history.
Hammond was appointed financial controller in 1991 and stepped up to finance director in 2001.
Further degrees in psychology were achieved alongside his working life, providing a unique skillset in his management role.
In 2007, he became managing director, and also joined the Operations Board.
During Hammond’s time at TCH Leasing, he transformed the business from simply providing contract hire to local companies to becoming a comprehensive fleet supplier across a range of industries.
He also lent his considerable insight and support as a member of the BVRLA Vehicle and Fleet Management Committee.
After 37 years, Hammond retired in April, receiving support and well wishes from many industry colleagues, and is now enjoying his free time travelling and spending time with family and friends.
Presenting both awards, from Hall of Fame sponsor partner the AA, was James Starling, business services director.
Video: Tim Buchan and Mark Hammond are inducted into the Fleet News Hall of Fame
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Bauer B2B group editor Stephen Briers has been an automotive business journalist since 1995. He has been editor of Fleet News since 2009 and before that was editor of Automotive Management for almost seven years. He now oversees both brands, as well as RAIL magazine.
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