Credit: WINK News

Hertz Global Holdings Inc. announced Monday that Paul Stone has been named president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Stone, most recently Hertz’s executive vice president and chief retail operations officer, North America, also has been elected to the Hertz board of directors. Stone succeeds Kathryn V. Marinello, who plans to continue with the Estero-based company in a consulting position for up to one year to support a smooth transition. 

“Paul brings a customer-centered approach to growing the business that is driven by process excellence and employee engagement. Having successfully run our largest business segment for the last two years, Paul helped strengthen our brands by elevating service standards across the North American car rental operations,” says Hertz Chairman Henry R. Keizer. “We also want to thank Kathy for her contributions as an exceptional business leader. Since joining the company in January 2017, she oversaw a successful operational turnaround, transformed Hertz’s culture, and built a best-in-class leadership team. The board wishes her all the best.”

Stone, 50, began his 28-year career with Sam’s Club/Walmart as a store manager and was quickly elevated through the ranks to Western US divisional senior vice president. He led operations for upwards of 200 locations with more than 30,000 employees. Prior to Hertz, he served as senior vice president and chief retail officer at Cabela’s, one of the leading outdoor outfitter retail companies.