Avis chief takes reins at Budget

Avis Europe has parachuted its director of partnerships and marketing Jill Grinsted into its Budget Rent A Car division to take up the marketing position vacated by Sara Zimmerman.

Zimmerman, who held the title commercial and marketing director, left the car hire division earlier this month (MW last week). She joined Budget Rent A Car in June 2003 and is a former Holiday Autos and Holiday Hotels marketer.

Grinsted will become director of sales and marketing. Her Avis Europe responsibilities will be shared among other departments

Zimmerman oversaw an advertising and media pitch at Budget and appointed Mustoes to handle a project earlier this year (MW February 2).

John Ayling Associates was appointed to handle media on a permanent footing.

The company has launched a voucher offer that runs until June and gives existing customers 20 per cent off or a free upgrade when checking in at their local rental location.

The promotion is being supported by an outdoor and bus-side campaign using the strapline “More car for your cash”.

Budget Rent A Car’s parent group went bankrupt last year and its operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa were sold to Avis Europe in March 2003 for &£11m.

Sister company Avis UK appointed Penny Stoolman as director of sales and marketing in January (MW January 22). She replaced Matt Andrews, who left in June 2003 .

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