ANTHONY Kearns has been appointed CEO of New Zealand-based Ezi Car Rentals, following the company’s acquisition by Toyota Financial Services.

Mr Kearns will work alongside Ezi Car Rental owner and executive director Kevin Walker during the transition.

Ezi Car Rental was started in 1998 and is one of New Zealand’s biggest Kiwi-owned and operated rental car companies, operating in 24 locations including most airports.

Prior to his new CEO position, Mr Kearns was dealer principal of Archibalds in Christchurch, which has franchises for premium brands including Audi, Jaguar Land Rover, Volvo and Porsche.

Mr Kearns said: “This role signifies an exciting chapter in my professional life, as I step into this leadership position of Ezi Car Rentals.

Toyota: New Zealand-based Ezi Car Rentals has appointed Anthony Kearns as CEO after it was sold by Kevin Walker to Toyota Financial Services.

“I am deeply committed to driving the continued growth and success, and I’m eager to contribute to the development of people delivering affordable and accessible mobility solutions for all.

“I am proud to have the opportunity to work alongside Kevin Walker as I transition into this CEO role. It’s a fantastic time, and I am excited to be back in Auckland.”

Before Archibalds in Christchurch, Mr Kearns was dealer principal at Armstrong’s in Wellington; and chief operating officer at Armstrong’s in Auckland responsible for Auckland City Toyota, Grey Lynn, Greenlane and Mt Wellington; Armstrong Peugeot and Citroen Greenlane; East Auckland Hyundai in Auckland; Armstrong Nissan, Peugeot and Citroen in Lower Hutt; Armstrong Subaru in Lower Hutt; and Armstrong Subaru, Peugeot and Citroen in Christchurch.

He was also CEO of Auckland City Toyota until 2019.

Ezi Car Rental has sites in Auckland, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Gisborne, Hamilton, Hokitika, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Queenstown, Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga, and Wellington.