Sebastian Birkel
Car rental firm Europcar Mobility Group has appointed Sebastian Birkel as the company’s new CEO.
Birkel, who previously ran Sixt’s North American business and was most recently CEO of property services specialist Profection Group, will take up his new role at Europcar on 1 May.
He will replace Olivier Baldassari, who is currently acting as Paris-based Europcar’s interim CEO following Alain Favey’s departure to car manufacturer Peugeot earlier this year. Baldassari will remain in his role as chief operating officer following Birkel’s appointment.
Christian Dahlheim, chairman of Europcar’s supervisory board, said: "We are delighted to have gained an experienced leader for Europcar Mobility Group in Sebastian Birkel. In view of the current challenges, he brings with him the ideal mix of operational strength, strategic vision and international experience."
From 1 May, Europcar will be led by a management board comprised of Birkel, Baldassari and new chief financial officer Joachim Hinz, who is joining from car manufacturer SEAT.
Birkel added: "I'm looking forward to joining an historical player of this industry, which is also one of the largest mobility services providers in Europe today.
“As the entire industry is currently facing strong headwinds, my priority will be to steer the group through this period, but also to build on our strengths for a sustainable future, hand in hand with our teams.”