Greenwich, Conn. — United Rentals last month announced that vice chairman Wayland Hicks will resign his directorship, effective March 1.
Hicks, one of the founders of United Rentals, started as head of operations and later became CEO when founding CEO Brad Jacobs stepped down. Hicks, who worked nearly 30 years for Xerox Corp. before joining United Rentals, was widely respected in the rental industry, and viewed as the architect of many of United Rentals' operating systems. He resigned as CEO in June 2007 but remained on United Rentals' board until now.
United Rentals also named José Alvarez, Bobby Griffin and Filippo Passerini to the company's board of directors. Alvarez joined the faculty of the Harvard Business School on Feb. 1. Most recently, he was the executive vice president - global business development for Royal Ahold NV, one of the world's largest grocery retailers. Alvarez joined Royal Ahold in 2001 and subsequently held several key senior management positions, including president and CEO of the company's Stop & Shop and Giant-Landover brands. Previously, he served in executive positions at Shaw's Supermarket and American Stores Company. Alvarez serves as a director of The TJX Companies.
Griffin has more than 25 years of executive experience in the transportation logistics industry, including 20 years with Ryder Systems, where he most recently served as president - international operations. Prior to Ryder, Griffin was an executive at ATE Management and Service Co., which was acquired by Ryder in 1986. He serves as a director of Hanesbrands Inc.
Passerini is president of Procter & Gamble's Global Business Services organization and chief information officer. The organization he leads provides more than 85 services to P&G employees around the globe. Passerini joined P&G in 1981 and has held executive positions in the U.K., Greece, Italy, the U.S., Latin America and Turkey. He is a native of Italy.
“We are delighted to welcome José, Bobby and Filippo to our board of directors,” said Jenne Britell, chairman of United Rentals. “They are highly seasoned executives whose expertise will be instrumental in helping our company expand its leadership position in equipment rental. Both José and Bobby are widely regarded for leading innovations in supply chain and logistics management, while Filippo is globally recognized for his ability to transform information technology into a strategic business partner.
“The board and I greatly appreciate Wayland's many contributions over his more than 10 years of service to United Rentals, first as a senior executive and then as a valued member of the board. Wayland has worked tirelessly to advance our company, to the great benefit of all our stakeholders.”
Greenwich, Conn.-based United Rentals is No. 1 on the RER 100.
