Fraikin strengthens leadership team

Commercial fleet services provider Fraikin has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Justin Lester as finance director and the promotion of Shaun Hull (pictured) to director of business development.

Lester joins the business with responsibility for overseeing Fraikin’s financial operations, governance and cost management, as well as developing a financial strategy aligned with the company’s long-term commercial objectives.

He arrives from Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, where he served as chief financial officer and led a major transformation of the organisation’s financial strategy and governance. Earlier roles include CFO, Energy at The Midcounties Co‑operative and head of finance at GDF SUEZ Energy UK.

Commenting on his appointment, Lester said the transport sector’s rapid transformation presents both challenges and opportunities.

“The pace of change in the automotive sector brings both challenge and opportunity both professionally and personally,” he said. “Fraikin is investing in the right areas to help its customers build sustainable, resilient fleets that support long-term growth and I’m excited to contribute to this next phase.”

He added that his focus would be on strengthening the company’s financial framework to support its fleet management and contract hire customers.

“My focus will be on solidifying the financial framework that underpins this strategy, ensuring the organisation is equipped to support our fleet management and contract hire clients through both current and future challenges.”

Alongside the external appointment, Fraikin has also promoted Shaun Hull to director of business development as he marks a decade with the company.

Hull previously served as head of business development management – contract hire, where he led a team responsible for expanding Fraikin’s full-service contract hire customer base across fleets of all sizes and vehicle types.

In his new role, he will focus on strengthening the company’s business pipeline and developing relationships across the fleet and transport sector.

“At Fraikin we have always strived to build a strong platform from which to support our customers,” said Hull. “I’m excited to take this next step in my journey with the company, using that platform to strengthen our core business pipeline and deepen relationships across the industry.”

He added that the company’s medium-term hire offering is becoming increasingly important for operators needing flexible fleet solutions. 

“In addition to our traditional long-term full service contract hire solutions, our medium-term hire – backed by an extensive vehicle stock – is becoming an increasingly valuable solution for operators, and there is real scope to broaden its adoption across both existing and new customers.”