Avis in hunt for new head of marketing

Sacha Cooper has stepped down as head of marketing at Avis to take up a new part-time role, overseeing dealings with British Airways.

The company has yet to announce her replacement.

Cooper’s will take up the position on May 1, although her title has not been confirmed. She will continue to report to Avis UK director of marketing and sales Dale Morley.

Avis was appointed as BA’s preferred car rental partner in December. A 2m advertising campaign was launched last month in the national press with the line: “Getting together to make travel easier.”

The UK market accounts for around 20 per cent of the company’s European business.

The car rental sector has seen increasing competition in the past year. Earlier this year Republic Industries Europe began a 2m campaign for the launch of its National Car Rental brand, and the company is planning rapid expansion in Europe.