Toby Poston will be the BVRLA’s next Chief Executive, taking up the role on 1 January 2025 after Gerry Keaney retires at the end of the year.
Toby steps up after sixteen years with the association, where he is currently Director of Corporate Affairs, 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.
The appointment follows a rigorous selection process involving a specialist executive search agency and recruitment panel comprising BVRLA Chair Jon Lawes, Vice Chair Lakshmi Moorthy, Honorary Treasurer Brian Back, Rod Lloyd and Scott Jenkins. Rod and Scott participated as Chairs of the Leasing Broker Committee and the Rental Committee, respectively.
“Toby is uniquely placed to lead the association through the challenging times ahead,” said 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.”
Commenting on his new role, Toby said: “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, Toby spent over a decade as a journalist and editor, most of it with the BBC Business & Economics Unit.
Gerry’s retirement announcement: BVRLA Chief Executive announces retirement.
