Horgan promoted to Sunbelt CEO as Joe Phelan leaves

Ashtead Group has appointed Brendan Horgan as chief executive officer of Sunbelt Rentals. Mr Horgan, who was previously the company's chief operating officer, replaces Joe Phelan who left Ashtead Group on 25 January.

No reason was given for Mr Phelan's departure and Ashtead's chief executive, Geoff Drabble, thanked him and wished him success in the future. Mr Phelan joined Sunbelt in April 2009 from DHL's Global Mail business in the US.

Brendan Horgan is a US citizen who joined Sunbelt in 1996 and has held a number of senior positions, including chief sales officer and most recently chief operating officer. He also now joins the board of Ashtead as an executive director.

Mr Drabble said; "Brendan has a wealth of experience of the US plant hire industry in general and of the Sunbelt operation in particular.

"He has been instrumental in developing the Sunbelt business over a number of years and in his new role I am confident that he will help us take further advantage of the opportunities which exist at this exciting time for the rental industry in North America."