ACFO appoints new Director to the board
ACFO, the UK’s premier organisation for fleet decision-makers, has appointed a new Director, following the resignation of Liz Hollands, bringing the board back to its full strength.
Experienced public sector fleet chief Damian James , head of transport provision at Bracknell Forest Council, is the newly appointed
director who has been involved with ACFO for more than a decade through its South West and Wales Region. For three years to 2008 he was the Region’s chairman.
ACFO chairman Julie Jenner said: “We are delighted to welcome Damian onto the ACFO board. He has a huge amount of fleet knowledge and experience, particularly in the public sector, which will be invaluable in helping to deliver ACFO’s best practice techniques to the segment.”
Mr James began his motor industry career in a Rover dealership before moving into fleet administration role for a County Council and then a transport controller in charge of a 1,000-strong fleet for a Water company for several years during which time he utilised his growing telematics technology expertise by joining the European Union’s eSafety Forum, which looks at how technology can help reduce road traffic crashes.
In 2005, Mr James moved to Bracknell Forest Council to establish an integrated transport unit and this current role sees him helping to manage the council’s 1,000-strong ‘grey’ fleet – employees who drive their own cars on council business – social care transport, school transport, pool cars and vehicle rental requirements.
Mr James also sits on the fleet strategy team established by the Office of Government Commerce, an independent office of HM Treasury, to promote best practice in public sector transport procurement.
On joining the ACFO board, Mr James said: “My public sector experience will be invaluable. ACFO is much more than a company car organisation; it is also a van and ‘grey’ fleet organisation.
“Commercial vehicles and ‘grey’ fleet have a huge role in the public sector and I would like to encourage more transport managers within the public sector to join ACFO.
“Over a decade I have learned a huge amount about fleet operations through ACFO and the networking opportunities membership has opened up for me. I hope other public sector transport managers will take up the opportunity.”
He added: “The ongoing impact of the recession means the public sector is under huge financial pressure. ACFO has a major role to play in helping public sector transport managers better understand vehicle efficiency and specifically in reducing ‘grey’ fleet use and mileage, which is a huge cost.”
Ms Jenner added: “Cost management and maximising fleet efficiency are key drivers for all fleet managers and nowhere more so than in the public sector given the current economic climate. Whether procuring vehicles, managing the ‘grey’ fleet or investigating telematics, Damian has much to offer ACFO and its members.”
In addition to Ms Jenner and Mr James, the six-strong board of directors is completed by Brian Ingham, John Pryor, Phil Redman and Stewart Whyte.
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