South African car rental firm, Avis, on Monday said it had appointed Rainer Gottschick as CEO for Avis southern Africa with effect 1 March 2015.

Gottschick takes over from Keith Rankin the out-going Avis Rent a Car southern Africa CEO. Rankin has been appointed CEO of Barloworld Automotive, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the JSE-listed diversified industrials company.

Gottschick has been an Avis Brand Ambassador for 16 years and has contributed immensely to the growth of the Avis brand and success of the team, Avis said on Monday. He began his Avis journey as a Financial Manager for the Regional countries and held various positions during his 16 years with Avis.

He joined the Avis Executive Committee in 2007 as Executive for Commercial & Regional countries and in 2013 was promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Avis Rent a Car southern Africa.

Rankin said he wished Gottschick well and all the best for the future. “I would also like to thank the Avis team for the support during the past 16 years as I embark on the next journey in the Barloworld Group.”

Founded in 1946 by Warren E Avis, who opened America’s first car rental counter at Willow Run Airport, Avis Rent a Car is today among South Africa’s leading car rental companies with over 98 outlets throughout Southern Africa.

Since 1962 its renowned brand promise of “We try Harder” has permeated through the business and has been the driving force behind the brand being at the forefront of technology, introducing innovative product offerings, first car rental company to achieve carbon-neutral accreditation, pioneering environmental initiatives, exceptional customer service, and from care for employees to community upliftment.

Avis offers a total transport solution for business or recreation purposes consisting of, Avis Rent a Car, Avis Point 2 Point, Avis Chauffeur Drive, Avis Luxury Cars, Avis Van Rental, Avis Truck Rental and Avis Car Sales.