A major name in the fleet industry sector has joined Huddersfield-based FMG as executive chairman.

Andrew Cope, formerly chairman and managing director of Zenith, will join the board of the fleet management specialist and take a “significant stake in the business.

FMG said the deal will enhance its ability to develop its services to new and existing customers, adding additional ideas to support the company’s development. Operationally, FMG’s management structure will remain largely unchanged, with Mr Cope assuming the role of executive chairman to add his experience to the FMG board.

Announcing the deal, FMG chief executive John Catling said: “We’ve admired what Andrew has achieved in the industry, His knowledge and experience of fleet is undoubtedly going to be a great asset to FMG. His arrival is good news for us, our partners and especially our existing and future customers. This move will further strengthen our position and reputation as leaders in incident management and business mobility.”

Mr Cope said: “FMG is a great business focused on its reputation for innovation and quality. I look forward to being involved with a company and people that I’ve respected for many years. The business has a forward-thinking attitude, embracing new technology, which has huge positive implications for our customers and prospects. By building on the good work which has been done to establish FMG as a leader in the industry, I’m excited to have the chance to help grow the business further.”

Nick Brown, who will take up a non-executive position and maintain a significant presence in the business, said: “We’re all welcoming Andrew to the FMG team and look forward to working with him in the future. I’ve known Andrew for many years. He is a very widely respected figure in our industry and his insight will add another dimension to FMG’s unique offering. “