Toby Poston named new BVRLA chief executive

Toby Poston has been named as the new chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), officially taking over the reins of the trade body from January 1, 2025.

He will replace outgoing chief executive, Gerry Keaney, who retires at the end of the year. 

Poston has been with the BVRLA for the past 16 years, most latterly as director of corporate affairs, where he was responsible for policy and public affairs, communications, events, research and fleet services.

During this time, he has been the association’s chief spokesperson and guided the industry’s response to a variety of challenges including Brexit, the Covid pandemic and terrorist attacks involving rental vehicles.

“Toby is uniquely placed to lead the association through the challenging times ahead,” said BVRLA chairman, Jon Lawes. “He has piloted the transformation of its policy and public affairs team and delivered a huge increase in the association’s voice of influence.

“He brings exceptional knowledge of the industry and a deep understanding of both the shared and diverse needs of our members.

“He impressed us with his strategic vision, passion for delivering member value and his intimate understanding of the BVRLA team.”

Poston added: “I am thrilled and honoured for the opportunity to continue working with an industry, membership and team that I have so much respect and affection for.

“My role is to continue building the reputation and capabilities of the BVRLA so that it can support members in delivering decarbonisation and responding to a fast-moving regulatory environment.

“Further change and challenge are inevitable, but I will ensure that the association is fit for the future and ready to respond.”   

Prior to joining the BVRLA, Poston spent over a decade as a journalist and editor, most of it with the BBC business and economics unit.