Avis Budget Group today announced that, effective March 18, John F. North III will join the company as chief financial officer.

North will oversee all financial aspects of the company, including financial planning and analysis, accounting and financial reporting, tax, internal audit, investor relations, and treasury and risk management. Martyn Smith will continue to be the company’s interim chief financial officer until March 18, and thereafter will serve in a transitional and advisory role for at least six months. 

Since 2002, North has held various leadership roles in finance, including chief financial officer and chief accounting officer, at Lithia Motors, Inc., a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States. North was instrumental in transforming Lithia’s finance and accounting functions as the company grew significantly from 2010 to 2018, and completing numerous acquisitions and integrating the businesses.

He holds a degree in finance from Santa Clara University, is a certified public accountant and a CFA Charterholder.

“[North] is a strategic and innovative leader with deep finance experience,” Larry D. De Shon, president and chief Executive officer of Avis Budget Group, said in a statement. “Additionally, his background in the auto retail industry will serve the company well as we execute our strategy for success in mobility and sustained, profitable growth, including our initiative to increase our direct-to-consumer vehicle sales."