Hertz announced in a statement that Ned Ryan will join the company as chief product development officer, effective May 9. Ryan will oversee efforts to deliver connected products and technology to enhance the customer experience as Hertz assumes an increased role in the modern mobility ecosystem.

"Our ambition to lead as a mobility company rests on our commitment to invest in technology and innovation, and Ned is the ideal leader to advance our digital ambitions for the next chapter of Hertz," said Hertz CEO Stephen Scherr in the statement. "Ned has a record of innovating, having served as founder and CEO of multiple startup businesses, including two successful ventures in the mobility sector and most recently at Ford. Ned will work in close partnership with Tim Langley-Hawthorne, our chief information officer, and a growing engineering team to develop world-class technology solutions that position Hertz as a key player in the travel and auto industry."

In 2013, Ryan launched Breeze, the first flexible rideshare financing platform, which was purchased by Ford in 2016. He also founded Canvas, a vehicle subscription service that was purchased by Fair.com at the end of 2019. Ryan most recently served in a senior capacity at Ford where he worked on new, digitally connected mobility businesses.

"I'm incredibly excited to join the Hertz team at an important time in the company's history," said Ryan. "I look forward to building world-class products for our customers and partners and can't wait to get started."