APD Research & Development has appointed high profile fleet industry specialist Rob Whalley as its new CEO.

A senior executive at several major automotive businesses including PHH (now Arval), Fleetlease (now Hitachi Capital) and Experian, Rob brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to APD.

Rob, who takes a shareholding in the company, joins APD as it embarks on a major expansion programme as it extends its reach beyond the UK and Europe to Asia-Pacific from its offices in Melbourne, Australia.

APD’s executive chairman, Paul Turner said on Rob Whalley’s appointment: “Rob brings huge experience and expertise which will be instrumental in us growing our interests globally.

“This includes widening the use of APD’s Contact.360 award-winning research platforms and our associated consultancy services in the automotive and aviation sectors.”

Whalley said: “I have known Paul Turner and APD for many years. I’ve always been impressed by their creativity and high quality market-leading research programs that have been delivered to the automotive industry.

“It is a privilege to be invited to join as both a board member and equity partner, as it moves into a significant expansion programme,” he added.

This follows the announcement in 2014 that well known fleet industry figure Nigel Stead was joining the APD board as a non-executive director.