AFI announces CEO

AFI, the UK’s largest independently owned powered access equipment rental company, has promoted David McNicholas to Group CEO.

David McNicholas has worked at AFI since 2006. He was initially group finance director before being made group chief operating officer in 2012. Prior to his time at AFI, he worked at Deloitte in corporate finance, where he first came into contact with AFI in 2001, working with the company on raising development capital funds and the subsequent buyout in 2006.

AFI has seen strong growth over the past few years, increasing revenue to approaching £100 million which is a 20% increase from 2016. The business now operates a fleet in excess of 7,000 machines across the UK and Middle East. 

David Shipman, chairman of AFI commented, “I am delighted to promote David McNicholas to CEO of AFI. He has been a key part of the AFI team for more than 11 years and there is no one better suited to this role.”

McNicholas added: “I am delighted to take this role at AFI at what is a significant point in the company’s growth story. Having been with AFI for 11 years, I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead such a great team. We have built a strong business that has emerged in the sector as a leading player and we are in a unique position to grow our market share. We will continue our strategy of growth through both organic growth and acquisitions and I look forward to another strong year ahead.”