Nixon Hire targets tech with new appointment

John Whitlow, CIO, Nixon Hire. (Photo: Nixon Hire)

UK-based rental company Nixon Hire has appointed John Whitlow as its new chief information officer (CIO).

Whitlow, who brings over 25 years of experience in IT, business leadership and consultancy, joins the company from Freeman Clarke, where he spent three years as principal CIO and CTO.

During that time, he also worked with Nixon Hire as a consultant and now takes on a permanent role to lead its digital strategy.

As CIO and member of the Nixon Hire board, Whitlow will be responsible for embedding data and AI technologies across the business to improve customer experience, drive operational efficiency, and boost profitability.

His focus will include the integration of smart technologies such as real-time predictive analytics for sites and equipment, enhanced customer-facing digital tools, and internal automation to improve collaboration and service delivery.

Graham Nixon, CEO of Nixon Hire, described the appointment as a “game-changing” addition to the team, joining the recently appointed Brian Cornett, Andrew Shaw, Simon Gibbs and Andy Gordon as part of a new leadership team.

“As a consultant, John has already played a pivotal role in shaping our digital strategy, and we are thrilled to have him on board in a permanent capacity to drive its delivery, elevating our customer experience and enhancing our operational capability,” Nixon said.

“With a focus on developing sustainable and innovative products and services for our customers, Nixon Hire has made significant strides forward in recent years. We’re building a smarter, faster, and more intuitive experience with the goal of setting a new benchmark for the industry, and I am confident John and his team will help us achieve that.”

Commenting on his appointment, Whitlow said, “The industry is evolving rapidly, creating a major opportunity for an ambitious, fast-moving business like Nixon Hire to set the standard in digital transformation. Having worked closely with the team for the past couple of years, I’ve seen firsthand the drive and determination to embrace change, push boundaries and continually improve both customer experience and operational efficiency.

“By harnessing AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making, we are positioning ourselves to lead the way. With the right vision, strategy and team in place, I’m excited to play a key role in the next stage of Nixon Hire’s journey and am committed to ensuring we stay at the forefront of innovation.”

Whitlow joins the company at a time when it is shifting its strategy to become a specialist in sustainable sites. In 2024, Nixon Hire sold off its traditional plant equipment to focus on portable site accommodation and renewable power solutions.

Speaking to IRN, Graham Nixon said the strategic move had already led to a 16% increase in revenue.

Green means go: Nixon Hire CEO on the switch to becoming a sustainability specialist CEO Graham Nixon — son of founder John Nixon — updates IRN on the company’s progress since implementing its new strategy.