United Rentals promotes Paul McDonnell

United Rentals has promoted Paul McDonnell to the position of executive vice president, sales and specialty operations, effective immediately. He will lead the company’s sales organization and specialty rental segment, responsibilities he previously held as senior vice president.

Matthew Flannery, president of United Rentals, said, “Paul is a talented executive and one of our company’s most passionate advocates for customer service. Under his leadership, our sales organization has become more collaborative in cross-selling our specialty solutions, enabling us to become a more complete partner to construction and industrial customers. This promotion recognizes Paul’s many contributions to our growth, as well as our improved margins and returns.”

McDonnell’s joined United Rentals in 1999 as district manager, followed by a promotion to region vice president. In 2008, he became senior vice president of specialty operations, and in 2016, his role expanded to include the combined responsibilities of sales and specialty operations.

Before United Rentals, he was general manager for D&E SteelPlate Rental, a provider of underground construction safety rentals and supplies.