Europcar Mobility Group UK and Ireland has appointed Christian Øien as managing director, as Gary Smith announces his retirement.

Christian Øien, managing director of Europcar Mobility Group UK and Ireland

Øien joined the group in 2018 as commercial director in Denmark and was most recently managing director for the Nordics. With previous experience in the logistics sector, his robust business background over the last 25 years will be instrumental in continuing to develop Europcar’s role in the fleet, business travel, insurance and leisure travel markets in the UK and Ireland, working alongside the existing senior management team.

In particular, Øien will continue to drive digital innovation across the business as well as focus on the growth of zero tailpipe emissions solutions for both businesses and private motorists.

Øien said: “We know that businesses and individuals want to reduce their impact on the environment and vehicle rental, whether for a few days or long-term can help them achieve that goal. I look forward to working with colleagues and clients to ensure that we remain the first choice for everyone’s mobility needs.”

He added: “Gary Smith has created a strong team with a clear focus on the mobility needs of businesses and individuals and I am looking forward to building on his success to ensure Europcar continues to deliver solutions that are fit for purpose as the market evolves.”

Smith retires after 14 years with Europcar. He joined in 2012 as UK finance director, before becoming managing director for the UK business in 2016. In 2020, he was appointed as deputy chief operating officer at Europcar Mobility Group before assuming the role of managing director of the Nordics (Denmark, Norway and Finland) alongside the UK and Ireland in 2024.

Smith said: “It has been a great opportunity to lead the Europcar business in the UK and Ireland, as well as the Nordics, as the shape of mobility has evolved. I feel very confident that the initiatives we have taken to create mobility solutions that are fit for purpose – including a significant commitment to electric motoring – give Christian and the team solid foundations to continue to build the business in the coming years.”

Smith and Øien will work together over the next two months to ensure a full and comprehensive handover.