ALPHABET’S UK chief Richard Schooling gets a key Alphabet HQ role to head international development as the new chief commercial officer at Alphabet International.

In this newly defined position, effective since 1 May but only just announced, he is responsible for the strategic coordination and development of all 18 Alphabet markets. The reorganisation of the management team follows Ed Frederiks’ retirement announcement in December 2015.

Alphabet CEO Norbert van den Eijnden said: “Richard Schooling is an experienced professional with excellent knowledge about the leasing business. His passion and experience for Business Mobility will be a great asset to further shape our company in the future.”

A leasing market expert and mobility enthusiast, Schooling led Alphabet (GB) Ltd as chief executive for the past 5 years in what today is one of Alphabet’s strongest markets globally.

His prior roles include chief operating officer of BMW Group Financial Services in the UK and Schooling was also part of the original BMW Group senior management team that founded Alphabet in 1997.

Before getting into fleet management in 1986, Schooling held positions in finance, operations, sales and marketing in various industries.

Richard Schooling said: “Benefiting from many years in direct contact with our clients, I know their challenges and requirements first-hand. Meeting their needs is and remains my top priority.

“Alphabet GB is a successful, well-established market and now I look forward to joining headquarters to further strengthen Alphabet’s position internationally as the leading provider of outstanding business mobility.”

As part of the management team, Carsten Kwirandt, head of marketing and business development, and Uwe Hildinger, chief sales officer, will continue to lead their respective departments and manage the steering of the Alphabet markets.

Schooling’s successor has yet to be announced.