Gary Smith has returned to head up Europcar Mobility Group UK and Ireland, replacing Ron Santiago who moves to a new role.

Gary Smith was previously MD of the UK operations from 2016-2020

Smith was previously MD of the UK operations from 2016-2020 and has spent the last three years as deputy chief operating officer at Europcar Mobility Group.

In his new role, he will have responsibility for the Nordics (Denmark, Norway and Finland) as well as the UK and Ireland.

Ron Santiago, who led the UK and Ireland operations from the end of 2020, has moved to become managing director of Europcar Mobility Group Iberia, covering operations in both Spain and Portugal.

Smith said: “Ron Santiago has done a tremendous job steering the UK operations through the effects of the pandemic as well as putting the business in an exceptionally strong position to support businesses and individuals as they aim to reduce their impact on the environment.

“Considerable innovation has taken place in the UK in the last three years to give private motorists and employers access to mobility solutions that are fit for purpose and sustainable. I look forward to working with colleagues and clients to ensure that we remain the first choice for everyone’s mobility needs.”

Smith’s background also includes four years as finance director for Europcar in the UK. With more than three decades working in the travel sector, he has also held a number of other financial and operational positions which have given him a strong insight into the key influences on the mobility buying decisions of consumers and businesses.