Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions (HCVS) chief executive Simon Oliphant will head a new strategy office for Hitachi Capital, as the lessor pushes for growth for the division in Europe.

Oliphant will become chairman at HCVS, while Hitachi have appointed Jon Lawes as managing director to take over the day to day running of the finance wing.

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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) and will be responsible for growing Hitachi Capital’s vehicle operations in Europe. 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, handing over operational responsibility to Jon Lawes, who is currently divisional managing director of Hitachi Capital Commercial Vehicle Solutions. He will remain a director of parent company Hitachi Capital UK.

Lawes is promoted to managing director of the Vehicle Solutions group which includes the commercial vehicle, car leasing and driving instructor businesses.

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Lawes joined Hitachi Capital in 2001 and since 2006 has been responsible for the successful growth of the commercial vehicle business.

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

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."