Kennards promotes from within as CEO Tolmie leaves

Kennards Hire in Australia has appointed long-time manager Allen Besseling as its new CEO following the recent departure of former CEO John Tolmie.

Mr Besseling, who took up his new post on 16 July, has worked in the hire industry for over 20 years and has been a senior manager at Kennards Hire for many years, leading the Lift and Shift division and then managing the Specialist Group businesses.

Kennards has not given details of the reasons for the departure of Mr Tolmie, who had been CEO for three years. Kennards chairman Peter Lancken told IRN that the Kennard family and board "consider cultural alignment to be the greatest attribute for a CEO and we perceived a change of leadership at Kennards was therefore necessary".

Mr Lancken said Mr Tolmie had "accomplished much during his time at Kennards including the improvement of our IT Systems, further growth of our Specialist Businesses, improvements in our safety systems and entering the Northern Territory market.

"We thank John for his contribution and the professional leadership he has brought to Kennards over this time and wish him and his family all the best for the future."

On Mr Besseling's appointment, Mr Lancken said; "Personally I have worked with Al for over 25 years (17 at Kennards) and I am delighted that we can promote from within the business a CEO with such experience, capability and passion for the company.

"Allen has the full support of the Board and the family. We know under his leadership we can continue to improve Kennards and strive to be the best hire company possible."