Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Avis Appoints New Board of Directors Chair

Over the last 15 years, Bernardo Hees has served as CEO of The Kraft Heinz Company, Burger King Worldwide Holdings, Inc., and America Latina Logistica.

February 10, 2020
Avis Appoints New Board of Directors Chair

Hees is making a personal investment of $15 million in Avis shares to align his interests with those of all shareholders.

Photo courtesy of Travelarz/Wikimedia. ​

1 min to read


Avis Budget Group today announced that Bernardo Hees has been appointed to the company’s board of directors and named independent chairman of the board and chair of the board’s executive committee, effective immediately.

Over the last 15 years, Hees has served as CEO of The Kraft Heinz Company, Burger King Worldwide Holdings, Inc., and America Latina Logistica. He succeeds independent chairman Leonard Coleman, who will continue as a director.

Ad Loading...

Coleman has been a long-standing member of the board.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Bernardo to the Board," Lynn Krominga, director and governance chair of the Avis Board, said in a statement. "He is a proven executive who has led some of the world’s leading consumer brands and has a successful track record in transportation and logistics. We are confident his experience and expertise will benefit Avis as we seek to maximize value for all its stakeholders.”

Hees is making a personal investment of $15 million in Avis shares to align his interests with those of all shareholders. The shares will be issued at the closing price of Avis common stock on Feb. 7.

More Rental Operations

plane, palm trees, car rental sign
Rental Operationsby Chris BrownSeptember 15, 2026

Palm Beach Airport Code Change Creates Car Rental Distribution Gap

A test of rental searches under the old PBI and new DJT airport codes returned largely different sets of brands and vehicles, highlighting a potential distribution problem for rental operators.

Read More →
Team members of U-Save's new franchise
Rental Operationsby StaffSeptember 15, 2026

U-Save Continues Dominican Republic Expansion with Launch in Punta Cana

The new franchise location builds on U-Save’s existing Santo Domingo operation and will begin taking reservations for October 2026.

Read More →
A traveler searches for rental cars with an AI bot
Rental OperationsSeptember 14, 2026

When AI Books the Rental Car, Who Controls the Sale?

As AI moves from comparing rental rates to completing transactions, operators need to understand how travelers find, interpret, rank, and ultimately see their offers. (Part 2 of 2.)

Read More →
Ad Loading...
map of europe and summer car rental rates
Rental OperationsSeptember 11, 2026

European Booked Car Rental Rates Fell 5%, Results Varied by Country

Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom saw steep declines, while booked rates rose in Poland and Hungary.

Read More →
thumbnail of Chris Brown and Mike DeLorenzo with title Time to Rethink Rental Categories?
Rental Operationsby Chris BrownSeptember 8, 2026

Is It Time to Rethink Rental Categories?

As traditional economy and compact cars disappear from the market, longtime rental operator Mike DeLorenzo asks whether the industry’s familiar vehicle categories still make sense — and what operators need to rethink along with them.

Read More →
Woman receiving car rental rates on computer from AI agent
Rental OperationsSeptember 1, 2026

Who Owns the Rate? AI Is Creating a New Distribution Problem for Car Rental

Generative Engine Optimization asks whether AI can find a rental company, but operators also need to know whether the agent inspected enough of the market, compared equivalent offers, and presented a rate the traveler can actually book. (Part 1 of 2)

Read More →
Ad Loading...
map of globe with regional corporate car rental rates
Rental Operationsby StaffAugust 25, 2026

U.S. Business Travel Car Rental Rates Forecast to Rise Up to 2%

Improved fleet supply should limit pricing gains in 2026-27, while insurance, repair costs, and softer residual values continue to pressure rental operations, according to Amex GBT.

Read More →
Sixt H1 financial results
Rental Operationsby StaffAugust 14, 2026

Sixt Revenue Tops $2.4 Billion in First Half of 2026

Sixt’s first-half revenue surpassed $2.4 billion for the first time as demand outpaced fleet growth, lifting utilization and earnings despite weaker consumer sentiment in North America.

Read More →
Bobby Klyce in memoriam image
Rental Operationsby Chris BrownAugust 13, 2026

In Memoriam: Bobby Klyce, Avis Licensee Legend

The longtime Birmingham Avis operator and 2018 Auto Rental News Impact Award recipient was remembered as an advocate for independent licensees and the broader car rental industry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Vibe coding webinar promo image
Rental Operationsby StaffAugust 12, 2026

How to Build Custom Fleet Tools With AI and Vibe Coding [Webinar]

A new Automotive Fleet webinar explores how fleet managers are using AI and vibe coding to automate routine work and create simple operational tools without traditional programming skills.

Read More →
Ad Loading...