Former Avis Group executive Andrew Smith has joined Sixt UK as its new managing director, taking over from Tim Vetters.

Andrew Smith, managing director at Sixt UK

Smith brings a decade of experience in various roles at Avis Group, where he managed cross-border international teams.

He most recently spent five years leading Avis Budget’s businesses in Denmark and Sweden.

This included steering both countries through the pandemic period, introducing the Zipcar car sharing brand and implementing a new environmental strategy said to have led to the highest share of electric vehicles in the car rental industry within these two markets.

Smith also is also credited with having transformed commercial revenues in Denmark, whilst ensuring both countries delivered some of the highest customer satisfaction scores globally.

In his new role, he will further drive Sixt UK’s growth. The business has opened two new branches this year – including a flagship location in Heathrow T2 that makes it the only operator that allows travellers to collect their car at the terminal without having to use a shuttle bus to reach the off-site car rental depots.

Andrew Smith said: “I am delighted to be joining the team at Sixt and am looking forward to helping our UK business continue to develop and grow. Sixt is well-regarded in the industry and it’s my honour to be leading such a proud, passionate and knowledgeable team in the UK.”

Tim Vetters, who started at Sixt UK as a branch manager back in 2009, will remain within the company. His new position is yet to be announced.

Vetters commented: “Having been part of the Sixt UK team for seven years, I can truly say that we have come a long way. Today we are highly respected for our outstanding customer service and strong financial results. As a business we are ready to scale up and I have no doubt Andrew will lead the team towards future success.”