Hertz appoints former Ford CEO Mark Fields as interim CEO

Hertz, one of the largest worldwide vehicle rental companies, has named Mark Fields, former president and CEO of Ford Motor Co, as its interim CEO and Paul Stone as president and chief operations officer, as the company accelerates its commitment to lead the future of mobility and travel.

The moves, effective immediately, are part of a vision for an all-new Hertz that combines the company's brand strength and global fleet management expertise with new technology and innovations charting a dynamic, new course for travel, mobility and the auto industry.

“It's an incredibly exciting time for Hertz, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have Mark's leadership, first as a Board director and now as interim CEO," said Greg O'Hara, founder and senior managing director at Certares and Hertz's chairman of the Board. "Mark's extensive background in auto and technology will be critical as we remake Hertz for the future. We are building from a renewed position of strength to reimagine the future, and Mark's continued leadership on the Board and stepping in for the moment as interim CEO are important next steps to take us there."  

Fields joined Hertz's Board of Directors in June. He also is a senior advisor at TPG Capital and former president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, where he served for 28 years. In addition, he is Lead Independent Director of Tanium and serves on Qualcomm's Board of Directors.

"Hertz is a global icon, and I'm honored to help lead the company into its next 100 years," said Fields, who will work closely with the Board to implement the company's strategic vision and will bring his experience as a public company CEO to bear as he leads Hertz's interactions with the investment community. "Hertz's unmatched global footprint will be combined with forward-looking investments that completely change the face of travel and mobility. The world is going to be hearing a lot from Hertz in the weeks and months ahead."

Stone, who formerly was Hertz's CEO, will partner as the company's president and chief operations officer. He will ensure a strong focus on operations and customer service excellence. 

The Hertz Corporation, a subsidiary of Hertz Global Holdings, Inc., operates the Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty vehicle rental brands throughout North America, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The Hertz Corporation is one of the largest worldwide vehicle rental companies, and the Hertz brand is one of the most recognized globally.

Images: Hertz and Hertz/Twitter