COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Kevin Miles, formerly the general manager at the Budget franchise in Columbus, Ohio, has joined the Thrifty franchise in Columbus as vice president of business development.

Cendant Car Rental Group recently acquired the Budget franchises in Columbus and Tucson, Ariz., from Mallo Enterprises. The operations are now run corporately. Mallo Enterprises, how-ever, continues to own a franchise in Las Vegas.

"We're very excited to have Kevin join our team," said Mike Reynolds, who owns the Thrifty franchise. "Like any other company, we're trying to grow our revenues and expand our local market presence, and Kevin is our kind of person. He likes being involved in the community, and our company is totally committed to the community -- to paying forward, as Woody Hayes liked to say."

Miles' community involvement includes serving as president of Crime Stoppers, a crime prevention group that works closely with local law enforcement. He is also a board member of the Association for Car and Truck Rental Independents and Franchisees (ACTIF).