MARTIN WALKER

FOUNDER

Martin has been an entrepreneur all his working life and latterly held a director’s position at Drive Assist which was the largest non-fault accident replacement vehicle supplier in the UK. He left this business in 2006 to create XL which followed a similar niche model within the Drive Assist group so he was confident of its success. This start up business has seen a meteoric rise in size and success so Martin decided to establish a larger more specialised management board in 2016
He brings vast experience in vehicle logistics, procurement and disposal.

Alistair Fazekas

Chief Creative Director

Alistair is responsible for XL’s overarching brand direction as well as the development and implementation of its marketing strategy for all areas of the business. His role cuts through new business development and direction as well as client retention and relationship management.

A natural communicator, he brings extensive experience from the fashion retail and leisure sectors with a particular focus on the use of digital platforms to inform, engage and challenge the end customer. His deep love for motoring and the automotive lifestyle informs all aspects of his methodology and helps XL stay at the forefront of a rapidly evolving sector.

STEVE HAMPSON

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Steve has been involved in the motor trade all his working life since University. He created Hampsons Self Drive Hire which specialised in the short and long term rental of cars, vans and trucks. It became one of the top 10 independently owned vehicle hire company’s in the UK and was sold to Northgate PLC in 2008 having established locations throughout the East Midlands and East Anglia and operating over 2000 vehicles.

During his time in the vehicle hire sector Steve held long-term positions within the industry’s trade association the BVRLA including Chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Committee and member of the Management committee.

Since selling the business Steve has had active Chair roles in the materials handling, commercial property, commercial vehicle bodybuilding, legal services and charity sectors.

COLIN BATESON

FLEET DIRECTOR

Colin is a long serving motor industry professional. He is highly regarded in the Sector and has maintained close relationships across major brands and dealership groups at both board and working levels. His extensive knowledge of the industry provides XL with a critical insight of market trends and business imperatives within the leasing market.

He also has a principal role in vehicle acquisition and disposal enabling XL to operate a streamlined vehicle management processes essential to business success.

BILL RIORDAN

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Bill is responsible for relationships with Lenders to the Business and all commercial matters. He started his career as a tax consultant before becoming an investment banker. Over the last 30 years he has acted as an adviser to North West based SMEs, providing advice for fund raising (EIS, private equity, senior and mezzanine debt), business expansion, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning and shareholder exits.

Bill is a Non Executive Director of a number of companies as well as a mentor to company founders and /or successors. He has particular experience in telecommunications, legal services, IT and renewable energy sectors.

MATT JONES

FINANCE DIRECTOR

Matt role is to ensure the controlled and smooth running of XL’s financial processes, implementation of the financial strategy and provision of insightful analytics to the board, shareholders and funders.

Matt is a chartered accountant who trained with PwC. He has worked within Financial Services through his 20-year career within both PLC and PE backed SMEs. He has experience across a number of sectors, including Consumer and Corporate lending, Pension Administration and Motor Insurance.

STEVE THORNE

SALES DIRECTOR

Steve brings wide business experience to XL having worked in a variety of business sectors both nationally and internationally. He has extensive knowledge of vehicle leasing working in a variety of positions and subsequently formed a number of businesses in the energy, recreational and building sectors.

He maintains a wide portfolio of business interests and his main focus in XL centres around business development and increasing the professionalism of the XL sales team.