ContractHireAndLeasing.com has appointed car finance expert Paul Harrison into the newly-created role of head of strategic partnerships.

Harrison joins from the position of head of motor finance at Auto Trader, a position he has held for the past three years, and officially took up his new post on November 1st.

The newly-created role at ContractHireAndLeasing.com will see him focus on strengthening relationships within the automotive industry as well as identifying new opportunities to expand the company’s activities, reach new audiences and deliver additional value for its advertising customers, the business said.

Harrison will also play an active role in the company’s strategy, contribute to external communications and conduct market analysis.

David Timmis, managing director of Really Good Domains, which operates the ContractHireAndLeasing.com business, said: “Paul brings significant industry relationships, in-depth market insight and a wealth of experience to the new role.

“I am delighted to welcome Paul on board during this exciting time for the business and the leasing sector in general.”

Harrison said: “I’m really happy to be joining ContractHireAndLeasing having been impressed with the team’s plans for the future.

“The company has a long history of working collaboratively with lenders, manufacturers, retailers and brokers, which has helped leasing to flourish.

“The combination of shifting consumer behaviour, changing market conditions and regulatory activity presents a real opportunity to establish personal leasing in the mainstream.”