Hertz appoints new Commercial Director for Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Hertz, the world’s largest general use car rental brand, has appointed Gina Costa as Commercial Director for the Middle East and Africa region, reporting to Fabrice Quinquenel, Vice President, Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

The appointment follows the opening of Hertz’s first regional corporate office for the Middle East and Africa in Dubai last year and underlines the company’s commitment to strengthening its presence in this important, fast growing region.

Michel Taride, President, Hertz International and Executive Vice President, Hertz Corporation, said: “Gina’s appointment as Commercial Director for Hertz, MEA and the opening of a regional corporate office is a serious investment by Hertz reflecting our commitment to the region. It is part of a long range regional investment plan designed to deliver increased support to our customers and partners as well as to our regional franchise partners.”

“Gina has all the experience and skills required to succeed. She has gained an outstanding credibility both with our customers, partners, and within Hertz,” he continued.

“The Hertz brand has been a familiar sight in the region for more than 25 years, and Gina’s appointment highlights the company’s commitment to supporting our customers and partners in Middle East and Africa,” added Fabrice Quinquenel, Vice President of Sales, EMEA.

Costa has 18 years experience in the travel and tourism industry, including two senior roles with Hertz as Director, Travel Distribution, Hertz Europe and Regional Sales Manager, Hertz, Australia. Costa has also worked in the airline industry with Ansett Australia.

She is currently working to finalise a number of major agreements ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the industry’s leading regional showcase, to be held in Dubai from 4-6 May.

“We have a good deal of new business in the pipeline across the Middle East and Africa and we plan to make a number of announcements at ATM.  We are taking steps to ensure that the Hertz brand is in a strong position as the market bounces back from the effects of the global economic crisis. We are introducing new products and systems, upgrading franchisee websites, and improving support and infrastructure to strengthen the Hertz offering in the region,” said Costa.

Costa’s team will support the current 11 Hertz franchisees in the Middle East and 23 in Africa, which together operate modern vehicle fleets from a total of 66 outlets in the Middle East and 161 outlets in Africa, offering a wide range of car rental and leasing services.