Policy and management of the Association is conducted by a council of ten members who are elected at the annual conference. Any member may stand for council. The seven largest members, by fleet size, are automatically entitled to one seat on Council and the three remaining positions are voted on annually. The President is also appointed annually by the incoming Council.
President - Mark Righton
I have been on the RVA council since 2009. I was Vice President from 2012-2015 and President since then. I am the Country Manager for Hertz in New Zealand and have had that role for 9 years. Previously I was CFO of the company for a number of years. I have worked in the rental car industry for 30 years.
Council Member - James Dalglish
James is the Managing Director of GO Rentals with a demonstrated history over 17 years working in the car rental industry. James is vice president of the RVA and really enjoys working collaboratively to improve the industry here in NZ. James is a keen business strategist and loves digital marketing and innovation. In his spare time rugby is his major passion!
Council Member - Grant Nye
19 years car rental experience across Australia and New Zealand in a variety of sectors and business models. Passionate about innovation and maintaining an agile and highly engaged workforce so as to capitalise on opportunities presented by a rapidly changing industry.
Council Member - Karl Norton
Karl comes from a commercial background having held various senior positions in the Corporate Services, Tourism and Entertainment Industries. Prior to joining ACE, Karl held senior positions with SKYCITY Entertainment Group, Tourism Holdings Limited and Pricewaterhouse Coopers. He is also a CA with the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Council Member - Mark Brown
Mark has been with the Motoka Ltd T/A Thrifty and Dollar Car Rentals for nearly 8 years and is the Head of Operations for both Thrifty and Dollar. He has previously worked in leadership roles in Courier Post and Letterbox Channel - which was part of NZ Post for 10 years and also Land Information NZ and Tulloch Transport. Mark has also spent over 20 years working in banking in the retail sector. Outside of work, Mark is Deputy Chair of the Oxford/Ohoka Community Board which is part of the Waimakariri District Council. He is also a NZ Show Jumping Judge and Steward.
Council Member - Margaret Hawkes
My Team and I run a small to medium sized rental vehicle company called Freedom Mobility. We cover the whole of New Zealand. All of our vehicles are modified in some way to be accessible or drivable for people who live with disabilities. We really enjoy finding temporary mobility solutions so people can get out and explore.
Council Member - Stephen Jones
I have been General Manager of Europcar New Zealand since October 2014. Prior to moving to New Zealand in 2014 I have over 20 years experience working in the car rental industry both in the U.K and Australia. I enjoy the competitiveness of the New Zealand market and I'm excited about the challenges the future will bring for our industry, as peoples mobility needs change.