FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- ANC Rental Corp. announced the appointment of Lawrence J. Ramaekers as president and chief operating officer for the company. The company also announced that Karen Beard has stepped down as president, North America, Alamo and National.

Ramaekers, who joined ANC last month as a consultant, has specialized in corporate turnarounds for the past 25 years. From 1992 to 1995, Ramaekers served as president and COO of National Car Rental.

Nationally recognized for his accomplishments, Ramaekers was recently honored as the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Turnaround Management Association, the trade organization representing corporate turnaround professionals worldwide.

"We are very fortunate to have Larry Ramaekers take the helm as president and chief operating officer of ANC," said Michael Egan, ANC chairman and CEO. "His specialized skills in streamlining, reorganizing and revitalizing organizations are well documented and will be essential to rebuilding ANC."

`Egan also praised Beard's contribution to the company during her more than 20 years of service. "Karen has helped lead the company through many prosperous times -- and difficult times -- during her tenure, and we all wish her the best in her future endeavors," Egan added.