Speaking on his appointment, Lester says: “The pace of change in the automotive sector brings both challenge and opportunity both professionally and personally. Fraikin is investing in the right areas to help its customers build sustainable, resilient fleets that support long‑term growth and I’m excited to be in a position to contribute to this next phase, consolidating our financial foundations while enabling new, customer‑led solutions.”
Before joining Fraikin, Lester most recently served as Chief Financial Officer at RICS, leading a major transformation of its financial strategy, governance and long‑term resilience. Prior to this, he held senior roles across the energy, retail and professional services sectors, including CFO, Energy at The Midcounties Co-operative and Head of Finance at GDF SUEZ Energy UK.
“My focus will be on solidifying the financial framework that underpins this strategy, ensuring the organisation is equipped to support our fleet management and contract hire clients through both current and future challenges,” he adds.
Long-serving Fraikin employee, Shaun Hull, marks his tenth year with the business by becoming its new Director of Business Development, a move up from his most recent role as Head of Business Development Management – Contract Hire, where he led a team responsible for growing Fraikin’s full service, contract hire customer base, delivering tailored solutions for all vehicle types and fleet sizes.
Hull says: “At Fraikin we have always strived to build a strong platform from which to support our customers. I’m excited to take this next step in my journey with the company, using that platform to strengthen our core business pipeline, deepening the relationships across the industry that will underpin our long‑term success.
“For example, in addition to our traditional long-term full service contract hire solutions, our medium‑term hire – backed by an extensive vehicle stock – is becoming an increasingly valuable solution for operators, and there is real scope to broaden its adoption across both existing and new customers.”