Gary Smith returns to lead Europcar Mobility Group

Gary Smith is to return to Europcar Mobility Group as managing director of its UK and Ireland operation.

A former managing director of the UK operations from 2016-2020, he has been deputy chief operating officer at Europcar Mobility Group for the past three years. 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 has been managing director of the UK and Ireland since the end of 2020 has been appointed as managing director of Europcar Mobility Group Iberia covering operations in both Spain and Portugal.

Commenting on his appointment, 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.”

Prior to his appointment as managing director of Europcar Mobility Group UK in June 2016, Gary Smith was finance director for the UK business between 2012 - 2016.  With more than three decades working in the travel sector, he has held a number of financial and operational positions which have given him insight into the drivers that influence the mobility buying decisions of consumers and businesses.