Hitachi Capital promotes Oliphant to new global strategy role

Hitachi Capital has announced a series of senior management changes which will see Simon Oliphant leave his UK-based role to head up a newly created Strategy Office to spearhead future growth plans, with a major focus on Europe.

Oliphant, currently CEO of the Vehicle Solutions group, takes up the new post created by Hitachi Capital Corporation (Japan) this month. He is tasked with growing its Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions business across the globe.

Chris Shirai, chairman and chief executive for Hitachi Capital Corporation America and Europe said: “The launch of the Strategy Office is a clear indication of our group’s appetite to extend the successful Vehicle Solutions formula into other markets. Simon’s great track record in this sector makes him the perfect leader of this exciting new initiative.”

Oliphant has worked for Hitachi Capital for 27 years, the last 15 running its UK vehicle leasing and fleet management business. In 2014 he led the acquisition of Corpo Flota (Poland). The company says this success and the group’s growth under his leadership will be used as the blueprint and platform for global expansion.

Oliphant will become chairman of the Vehicle Solutions UK business, and will also remain a director of parent company Hitachi Capital (UK).

Jon Lawes, who is currently divisional managing director of Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Solutions, is promoted to managing director of the Vehicle Solutions group which includes the commercial vehicle, car leasing and driving instructor businesses. He joined Hitachi Capital in 2001 and since 2006 has been responsible for the successful growth of the commercial vehicle business.

“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, especially as it is being used as the benchmark for expansion into other countries and continents,” Oliphant commented.

“I would like to congratulate Jon Lawes on his new role. He knows our UK business and customers very well so he is in a great position to continue to drive the business forward, whilst maintaining continuity,” he added.

Robert Wastell will continue as divisional managing director of Hitachi Capital Car Solutions, and Chris Tarry as general manager of Hitachi Capital Driving Instructor Solutions.