Carwiz International recently appointed Thomas Zieher as its new chief operating officer who brings about three decades of experience in the car rental and mobility industry to the company.

In his new role, Zieher oversees global operations, focusing on network and revenue growth. In addition to supporting processes, procedures, and operational KPIs, he handles customer satisfaction to deliver a smooth, clearly mapped customer journey.

Zieher most recently worked as senior manager of B2B at UCI (Odeon Cinema Group) from February 2021 to December 2024.

Previously, he was director of business development and commercial lead at Avis Budget Group from October 2019 to March 2020 and director of international development from February 2016 to September 2019. He has held other positions at Avis Budget Group since 2009.

Zieher’s car rental career began in 1994 in various operational and sales roles, and he earlier worked in the hotel and wholesale industries.

“I firmly believe that sustainable revenue growth is rooted in the customer experience,” Zieher said in a Jan. 17 email. “While some businesses — particularly smaller, price-focused local car rental companies, may achieve short-term growth by neglecting customer needs, that model is far from sustainable. Long-term success comes from creating lasting, meaningful customer relationships, and not relying on a revolving door of new, transient customers.”

Carwiz International is a Croatia-based rental car franchise with a network spanning 59 countries and operating across more than 455 locations.