Avis Budget Group Inc. plans to combine its three operating regions into two, the Americas and International. According to Avis, this realignment of its operations will take effect on Jan. 1, 2015, in connection with the following management changes:

Patric Siniscalchi, president, Latin America/Asia-Pacific, will retire from his current position effective Dec. 31, 2014, following a 43-year career at the company. Siniscalchi is expected to continue to be involved with the Avis’ joint ventures in China and Brazil through a consulting arrangement and to assist with the transition.

Thomas Gartland, president, North America, will retire from his current position effective Dec. 31, 2014, after a six-year career with the company. Gartland is expected to stay on with Avis in a consulting capacity to assist with the transition.

Joseph Ferraro, senior vice president, North America Operations, will assume the role of president, Americas, effective Jan. 1, 2015. In this role, he will be responsible for the company's operations in North and South America, including Latin America and the Caribbean. Ferraro has held positions in North America operations since joining Avis in 1979.

"We thank Tom Gartland for his extraordinary contributions to the growth, culture and profitability of our company,” said Ronald L. Nelson, chairman and chief executive officer, Avis Budget Group. “We also thank Pat Siniscalchi, who has played a critical role in the development and success of our business in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.”

“Joe Ferraro brings proven leadership and a strong track record of strategic achievement and operational excellence. Joe's extensive experience in our North America field operations and his outstanding work as the 'right-hand man' to Tom over the past several years make him the ideal person to assume Tom's responsibilities, … ” added Nelson.

Larry De Shon, currently president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), will assume responsibility for the company's Asia-Pacific operations and will assume the title of president, International effective Jan. 1, 2015, according to Avis.

Ferraro will continue to be based in Avis Budget Group's world headquarters in Parsippany, N.J., and will report directly to Nelson, says the company.