Nigel Stead joins APD as the company embarks on a major expansion programme extending its business reach, not just within the UK and Europe, but also in Asia Pacific, where from its southern hemisphere offices in Melbourne, Victoria, it already operates three major OEM customer satisfaction programmes in Australia and New Zealand.

A former chairman of the BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) and, before his retirement, CEO at Lex Autolease, the UK’s largest vehicle leasing company. Nigel Stead now holds non-executive directorships at Vertu Motors plc, Prohire plc and Ireland’s Merrion Fleet Management.

Commenting on his involvement with APD, Stead said: ‘I have known Paul Turner and APD for many years. I’ve always been impressed by their competencies and respect for the quality of their research and industry leading programmes which they have successfully delivered to our industry. It is a privilege to be invited to join and support the board at APD as it moves into a significant expansion programme, not just here in Europe, but elsewhere in the global market.’

‘We are delighted that Nigel has joined our board,’ said APD’s executive chairman, Paul Turner. ‘Nigel brings huge experience and expertise which will be instrumental in the enlargement of our interests globally, through acquisitions, and widening the use of the APD’s Contact.360 award-winning research platforms and our associated consultancy services.’