Our Commercial Director, Lee Hamlett was presented with the Freddie Aldous Outstanding Contribution Award during the BVRLA Annual Dinner in April. It is an award that goes to an individual that has made exceptional contributions to the industry overall, while committing significant efforts to support the work of the BVRLA.
We caught up with Lee to talk about the award and his remarkable career within the fleet industry.
Congratulations Lee on your award, tell us a bit more about it and how did it feel to win?
Thank you. It was a genuine surprise to win the award and it really means a lot to me. It was such an honour and privilege to be recognised by my peers in the industry. Following on, so many people reached out via social media, emails, phone calls to congratulate me. The words I’ve received from all these people including the words from Gerry Kearney on the night of the BVRLA dinner were so heartfelt and humbling.
Can you tell us more about your career highlights?
I gained a lot of experience when I worked for Godfrey Davis Contract Hire. The company’s culture and quality of people helped me to learn and grow. I was taking a lot of responsibilities in different areas of the business which led to acknowledgement and recognition via promotions that helped my career growth. Then I continued my journey in Bank of Scotland Vehicle Finance gaining 22 years leasing and fleet management industry experience, before joining IFS in February 2008, which has since become KINTO.
I chose IFS to continue my career for a several reasons – the culture of the business, the people, the size and for being part of motor retail group – this to me felt like ‘coming home’. I joined as Head of Database and Purchasing and worked my way to Commercial Director.
Over the past 13 years, I’ve also been an active member of BVRLA. I’ve been involved in presenting RV Setting masterclasses on behalf of the BVRLA, participating in and regularly hosting the forums as well as twice sitting as Chair of the RVR Committee. Presiding over ‘challenges’ such as ‘diesel gate’, ‘Brexit’, global pandemic implications for production, distribution and consumer demand, WLTP, RDE2, semi-conductor and other raw material and parts shortages, connectivity, autonomy, GDPR, taxation, accounting and legislation changes, let alone the escalating transition to zero emission vehicles has been and much of this continues to be a challenge. Albeit, this said, with challenge comes opportunities. I have a saying, ‘the only constant is change’, and this has never been more evident than in recent years.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love spending time with my family. I have a lovely partner called Alison 3 sons Callum, Ryan and Wayne, and I’m also a grandad!
Travelling and seeing the world is another passion of mine. I try to have a mini break every few months, so this year I’ve already been to Edinburgh and have got a few vacations planned – Jersey in June, Marbella in July and August I’m going to Turkey.
I’m also interested in sports. I like watching football (I’m a Chelsea supporter) and rugby.
And of course I love a good party! I’m very sociable and everyone who knows me can confirm that I’m usually the last man standing and one of the first on the dance floor! I think I suffer a bit from FOMO haha.
Who inspires you?
On a personal level, Chris Joyce who works at Octopus Electric Vehicles. He was the first person who recruited me in the industry and we’ve been friends ever since. He’s been a mentor to me and I have huge respect for him.
A famous person who has inspired me is Margaret Thatcher due to her strength of character, ‘steely’ resolve and work ethic.
Richard Branson is another person who has also inspired me in my early years with his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for business.
