Hertz is appointing Australian Tom Kennedy as Regional Marketing Manager for the Middle East and Africa Region.

Kennedy will operate from the company’s regional corporate office in Dubai where he is being introduced to the travel trade this week as part of the Hertz team attending Arabian Travel Market.

He takes up the newly created position in the Middle East after switching from the European headquarters of the world’s most powerful car rental brand in London where he worked on strategic airline alliances, such as Air France and Virgin Atlantic, and franchisee marketing.

“We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the regional team and are sure he will be a great asset to us, and to our business partners here,” said Gina Costa, Commercial Director for Hertz, MEA.

Kennedy said: “I’m looking forward to growing the Hertz brand and driving outbound business by working closely with our franchisees, GSAs, airline and travel agent partners in the 34 Middle East and African countries.”

Kennedy brings strong online and CRM experience to support the expansion of the Hertz digital strategy in the region. He has previously worked for Qantas Holidays and the Jetset Travelworld Group in Australia and holds a 1st Class degree from the University of Sydney.