The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) enters 2025 with a major leadership transition with Toby Poston as its new chief executive and Lakshmi Moorthy as chairperson of the committee of management.
Poston steps into the new role following the retirement of Gerry Keaney, who led the BVRLA for over 11 years. Poston has spent 16 years with the association, most recently as director of corporate affairs, where he headed policy and public affairs, communications, events, research, and fleet services.
Poston said: “I am responsible for making sure that the BVRLA is heard in the right places and agile enough to meet member needs. Delivering decarbonisation, supporting the vehicle leasing sector’s response to the recent Court of Appeal judgment, and navigating a turbulent trading environment all require us to be on the front foot. I am fortunate to have a strong grounding in this sector and an excellent team ready to respond.”
Moorthy, previously vice chair of the BVRLA, has assumed the position of chairperson of the Committee of Management. Moorthy, who is managing director of Arval UK, takes over from Jon Lawes, and will lead the BVRLA’s board of directors, overseeing its strategic direction, policy priorities, and financial health.
“During Jon’s tenure, supported immensely by Gerry’s leadership and the BVRLA team beyond, the association has grown a considerable amount. I have big boots to fill but am confident that we will retain this upwards trajectory,” she said.
“In Toby, the BVRLA has a passionate leader that knows our sector inside out. I look forward to us working together at a time when members are facing challenges from all directions.”
The association, which represents over 1,000 companies engaged in vehicle rental, leasing, and fleet management, oversees a combined fleet of four million vehicles – accounting for one in ten of all vehicles on UK roads.
Under Poston’s leadership, the BVRLA aims to address key priorities, including supporting the decarbonisation of road transport, responding to legal challenges affecting the vehicle leasing sector, and helping members navigate a volatile trading environment.
Moorthy’s leadership at the Committee of Management will focus on ensuring the association continues its upward trajectory while maintaining a sound financial foundation.