Hertz UAE appoints Leasing and Maintenance Manager

Pratley brings 23 years of relevant experience to the Al-Futtaim Group, the Hertz franchisee in the UAE. His career began in 1980 when he became fleet manager for Royal Mail in the UK. He then spent 14 years working for major UK-based and international car rental companies before joining Hertz as general manager in Kuwait.

Pratley sees his current position with Hertz UAE as a challenging one, overseeing the company's leasing business and its ever expanding fleet, which is set for 50 per cent growth next year.

"Our fleet is now nearing 2,200 vehicles and will increase to 3,500 vehicles next year, largely owing to the amazing growth we have witnessed in our leasing business," Pratley said.

"An increasing number of companies and individuals in the UAE now choose leasing over the option of buying their own vehicles since leasing is much more cost-effective and involves a total predictability of costs." Leasing also enables companies to give their valued employees five-star hassle-free treatment, while it is becoming increasingly important for expatriates, particularly those planning short to medium-term stays in the UAE, Pratley added.