THE BVRLA has announced that Simon Oliphant is new chairman of the association.

Simon is taking over from Marshall Leasing’s Peter Cakebread, who has stepped down after two years of chairmanship.

Simon Oliphant has worked for Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions for 25 years, and has been involved with the BVRLA since joining the Leasing and Fleet Management Committee in 2001. He became Chairman of this committee after ten years, and joined the BVRLA’s Committee of Management in 2011.

Simon said;
“I am delighted with my new position at the BVRLA, which gives me the opportunity to put something back into the industry I have been associated with for more than 30 years. As Chairman, my first priority is to ensure we continue the excellent work that has been overseen by Peter, Gerry and the BVRLA’s other committee members.

“My career at Hitachi has given me the opportunity to work with small, medium and large companies in different roles. This makes me ideally placed to work with all BVRLA members and fully represent its diverse membership, which continues to grow across each sector.

“I’d like to develop stronger relationships with the newly-formed government around key issues such as taxation, safety, the environment and technology, enhancing the BVRLA’s authoritative voice. I am also passionate about training and development, and would like to see the BVRLA play a bigger role in this.”

Simon’s new role came into effect in an official capacity following the BVRLA’s AGM on 20th May 2015. Simon will now be responsible for leading the BVRLA Committee of Management as BVRLA Chairman, which also saw two members gain additional responsibilities today.