ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Barry Natwick last month was appointed president of Volvo Construction Rents, Asheville, N.C., replacing Michael Farley who left the company in August. His appointment, effective immediately, was made by Scott Hall, executive vice president, Volvo Construction Equipment, Brussels, and chairman of the Volvo Construction Equipment Rents board of directors.

Natwick was formerly vice president of the company's equipment rental franchise operations for North America and its global fleet management operations. As president, he will be responsible for the global activities of Volvo CE Rents.

Natwick, a member of the original development group that organized the Volvo CE Rents initiative in 2001, has nearly 30 years of experience in the equipment rental and construction equipment manufacturing and distribution industries.

“Barry Natwick brings Volvo CE Rents an outstanding record of achievement in driving revenue growth in his positions with other companies in the rental and manufacturing industries and during his tenure with Volvo CE Rents,” said Scott Hall. “He has given us invaluable expertise in creating Volvo CE Rents, and he is now in charge of the operations of the company he helped build.”

Natwick began his career in the construction equipment industry in 1977 in a service and sales capacity with L.B. Smith, one of the largest heavy construction equipment distributors in North America. In 1979, he joined John Deere Construction Equipment Co. as a market and product support representative for the company's eastern region. Natwick left John Deere in 1994 when he was appointed vice president of product support for the North American operations of JCB Inc., a position he held for six years.

In 2000, Natwick joined Brambles, which was acquired by National Equipment Services in late 2001, as vice president of fleet management responsible for the management of revenue assets, purchasing of rental and rolling vehicle fleet, utilization management and centralized warranty for a $300 million aerial and general construction equipment rental fleet.

In 2001 he joined Volvo Construction Equipment Rents as a vice president with responsibilities for fleet negotiations, purchases and management for the company's worldwide operations. He was appointed vice president for Volvo CE Rents North America operations in May 2003.