The Hertz Corp. has appointed Louis R. Franzese as chief human resources officer, effective Sept. 8, 2014. Franzese succeeds LeighAnne Baker, who left Hertz earlier this year to become chief human resources officer at Cargill, Inc.

Franzese joined Hertz in 1999 as senior staff counsel specializing in labor relations. Between 2005 and 2012, he served as the company's senior labor lawyer and spokesperson, says Hertz. In 2012, he was promoted to senior vice president with responsibility for the Hertz's human resources function in the Americas.

"Lou Franzese has extensive experience leading our HR efforts in the Americas, our largest market, including successfully managing the most sensitive employee and labor relations matters for Hertz," said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz chairman and chief executive officer. "Lou has proven time and again his ability to constructively address employee-related issues and, in his most recent position at Hertz, stepped up to the challenge of leading HR business partnership, talent acquisition, employee relations and HR-related financial initiatives in the Americas.”

Prior to joining Hertz, Lou spent eight years in private practice representing management in employment and labor law matters.