Prohire recruits former Ryder executive John Robinson as chief commercial officer

John Robinson, fomer Ryder fleet sales director and 40-year industry veteran, has joined commercial vehicle hire and fleet management firm Prohire as chief commercial officer, in the latest phase of the company’s ambitious growth strategy.

In his new role with the Stoke-on-Trent-headquartered firm, Robinson is tasked with playing a key part in driving business growth through sustainable lease and contract hire, optimising service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Robinson will also ensure Prohire’s sales resource is directed into key growth areas, such as high dependency and specialist fleets, including support for customers in the deployment of high-performing, reliable, zero-emission vehicle technology through ProGreen, Prohire’s alternative fuels division.

In four decades at Ryder, Robinson spent the last 20 years of his career in senior roles, latterly as fleet sales director, a role he held for over 14 years. He also developed and concluded large investment, operationally complex requirements with a wide range of major UK fleet operators.

Robinson said: “I’m delighted to be back in the industry in which I’ve spent my whole career, joining Prohire at such an exciting stage in its journey. Having spent my career at what was the UK market leader for decades, I can say that Prohire has all of the component parts to grow significantly, and I am looking forward to playing my part in helping the team to achieve its ambitions.”

Pat Skelly, chief executive officer at Prohire, said: “To have someone of John’s calibre and industry-standing joining us is testament to Prohire’s potential. His approach is collaborative, customer centric and professional. It’s a great time to be part of Prohire as we support our customers in the transition to Net Zero. Our rebrand is complete, our new website is live and we’re getting great feedback from our customers.”

Prohire has grown exponentially since NorthEdge Capital acquired a majority stake in the company via a management buyout in 2018. Prohire now employs over 90 people across its head office in Stoke-on-Trent and depot in Tunbridge Wells and has invested in a new vehicle maintenance unit (VMU) at each site.

The company provides nationwide commercial vehicle rental and long-term vehicle contract hire, together with fleet maintenance, accident repair management, and fleet compliance to customers across the UK.