The Hertz Corporation announced today the appointment of Edward Hu as general manager and vice president of Hertz China. Hu is based in Shanghai, China and reports to Michel Taride, president of Hertz International and executive vice president of Hertz Corporation.

China is key, long-term market for Hertz's global car rental and equipment rental businesses. Hertz has launched four car rental locations in Shanghai and Beijing, offering self drive, chauffeur drive, airport transfers, leasing, cars for special events, and Hertz's #1 Club Gold Loyalty program.

Hertz also has four equipment rental locations, in Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and Tianjin. Hertz Equipment Rental China began operations in July 2008, serving markets throughout central China with one of the youngest fleets in the industry. With growth in the double digits, initial products include: aerial equipment, pneumatic compressors, and generators, supplemented with earthmoving equipment and cranes of various capacities.

Hu comes to Hertz from the Regus Group, where he served as senior vice president of greater China. At Regus, he was responsible for the overall development strategy, sales/marketing, real estate portfolio management, and commercial results of Regus centres in greater China. In addition, he was responsible for the company's business expansion in greater China by establishing close relationships with local governments and strategic partners.

Previously, Hu served in senior business development roles for Dell, IBM China and AT&T. Hu started his career with China Film Co-Production Corporation and MCI Worldcom. Hu has an MBA from INSEAD, a master's degree from New York University and a B.A. from the Institute of International Relations, Beijing.

"We are very pleased to have Edward Hu on board. Edward has extensive business development experience in China, which includes expertise in working with government officials at all levels and strategic business partners based in China and abroad. Edward also has strong leadership skills with a long track record of driving successful business results," Taride said.

Hu added: "I'm very excited to join the Hertz, the global leader in car and equipment rental, and an iconic worldwide brand. I look forward to driving rapid business growth in my country, working closely with the government, our strategic business partners and the Hertz team."