Europcar’s board of directors today announced a series of measures aimed at preparing the company for the ambitious next phase of its development.

As part of the plan, chief executive Roland Keppler will end his term of office at the end of this month by mutual agreement with the board and shareholders of Europcar Group.

In a statement earlier, the directors thanked Keppler for his commendable work in leading Europcar’s executive committee throughout the company’s transformation and the improvement in its profitability.

The statement added: “The board wishes him all the best for the future, both professionally and personally.”

Chairman Jean-Charles Pauze, actively working with Europcar’s majority shareholder Eurazeo, is seeking to complete the external recruitment of a new chief executive, and will make an announcement in the near future.

In the meantime, current chief financial officer Caroline Parot will assume the role of interim-chief.

Pascal Bazin, a former prominent chief executive within the car rental industry, has been appointed as an independent board member, bringing his considerable knowledge of the sector together with his skills and insight as an experienced senior executive to the service of the management team.

At the same time, Europcar Group announced details of its refinancing plans, which will allow the group to benefit from current favourable market conditions and to reduce its fleet financing costs.

Pauze said: “Europcar today is well positioned for the next phase of its development, with an experienced senior management team already in place and a strengthened board of directors.

“We are grateful to Roland for accomplishing his mission of assembling a strong team and designing the turn-around plan of Europcar.

“The plan has generated significant improvements in the profitability and further initiatives are being developed and implemented by the management team.”