United Rentals last week named William Plummer as chief financial officer, replacing Martin Welch, effective Dec. 1. Welch, who will be leaving the job after a three-year tenure to pursue other opportunities, has agreed to stay on for a transition period and help close the company’s books for 2008.

Plummer most recently served as chief financial officer for Dow Jones & Co. Prior to his stint with Dow Jones, Plummer was vice president and treasurer of Alcoa Inc., responsible for global treasury policy and relationship management with commercial and investment banks. He has held similar executive positions at Mead Corp. and General Electric Capital Corp.

“Bill brings a proven track record that clearly demonstrates a deep understanding of the financial processes that will help us create business and financial metrics to further drive profitable growth,” said United Rentals CEO Michael Kneeland.

Based in Greenwich, Conn., United Rentals is No. 1 on the RER 100.