United Rentals employs senior RSC executive

Before joining United, Mr Graham was serving as senior vice president of operations for RSC Equipment Rental - United's biggest competitor - where he directed operations in 30 states. Prior to that he spent six years as an RSC regional vice president and two years as district manager.

Michael Kneeland, chief executive officer of United Rentals, said, "Ned's nearly three decades of experience with equipment rental operations, including 10 years in the public sector, speaks for itself.

"He has an exceptional talent for realising compelling opportunities on a national scale, across all business units and customer segments. Ned's expertise makes him a strong addition to our senior team, and we are delighted to have him on board as we continue to pursue our strategic objectives."

Mr Graham has a degree from Wilkes University and has also attended executive programmes at Harvard Business School and the Swedish Institute of Management/International Operations in Stockholm.