Car rental firm Europcar Mobility Group has appointed Christian Øien as managing director in the UK and Ireland. Øien replaces Gary Smith, who recently announced his retirement after 14 years with the company.
Øien first joined Europcar in 2018 as its commercial director in Denmark, and most recently served as country head in Denmark, a position he assumed in 2021.
In his new role, Øien will champion digital innovation across the business and drive zero tailpipe emissions solutions.
“I am tremendously excited to be given the opportunity to lead the UK and Ireland business," Øien said in a statement. "Gary Smith has created a strong team with a clear focus on the mobility needs of businesses and individuals, and I am looking forward to building on his success to ensure Europcar continues to deliver solutions that are fit for purpose as the market evolves.”
Øien and Smith will work together over the next two months to ensure “a full and comprehensive handover”, the company said in a statement.