Currently co-owner of Fulcrum Automotive Solutions, he has held senior positions at National Car Rental, Europcar, Helphire and Paragon Automotive.
Also, Julie Griffiths has been named as deputy chair, having previously served as chair. She is customer services manager at Lex Autolease, where she has worked since 1999.
The 1link Hire Network Customer Forum is the independent customer body that represents major fleets which use epyx’s rental e-commerce platform to manage all their hire needs.
Russell said: “The Customer Forum fulfils an important role in promoting best practice, discussing new ideas and guiding future development of the platform. I am delighted to be involved as chair.
“Recently, we have had several exciting product road map discussions which we are sure will lead to developments that will benefit all users.”
Marc Lees, business development manager at epyx, added: “The direct involvement of the Customer Forum has helped to shape today’s 1link Hire Network and has been key to its success.
“The future development of the platform is very important to epyx and engagement with customers through the user group, led by these experienced new appointments, will ensure a bright future.”
Launched in 2006, 1link Hire Network is an e-commerce platform that brings together car and van rental suppliers and purchasers in real-time, and has been widely adopted.
For purchasers of daily rental services such as major fleets, it enables online access to multi supplier quotations and hire pricing. For daily rental suppliers, it ensures that invoices are always correct by electronically validating them through the 1link system as well as providing access to new customers. As with other 1link platforms, a major benefit for all parties is the massive reduction in telephone traffic to manage bookings.
