Bill Whitehouse to step down as Kennards Hire CEO

Bill Whitehouse, CEO, Kennards Hire.

Australia-based rental company Kennards Hire has announced that its CEO Bill Whitehouse is to step down from the role next year.

He will be replaced in April 2025 by Stuart Dean, currently chief operations officer. Dean brings more than 20 years experience in rental, including 14 with Kennards Hire where he has held various roles.

Whitehouse, who has been CEO since 2020 and with the company for more than 35 years, said the time was right to “hand over the reins.”

During his time as CEO, the company said it has “flourished” with 17 business acquisitions and six greenfield branch openings, resulting in 26 new branches, growing the network from 195 branches to 215, and a 65% increase in revenue since the 2020 financial year.

He will remain with the company as a non-executive director of the Kennards Hire Board, a role he will assume in August 2025 following a short sabbatical.

Commenting on his decision, Whitehouse said, “Kennards Hire is truly a great place to work and I’m incredibly proud of our people – from Kununurra to Queenstown – who go above and beyond every day in helping to shape the business we have today.

“It’s their drive to deliver outstanding customer service and the energy they all invest in building a culture of care, collaboration, and continuous improvement that makes Kennards Hire such a special place.”

Kennards Hire Board Chair, Margie Haseltine, added, “The Kennards Hire board and Kennard family are thankful for Bill’s dedicated leadership, not only in his recent years as CEO, but also over the last 35 years as a committed and pivotal member of the Kennards Hire team. We are delighted he will continue to make a positive impact as a non-executive board member.”

Dean will become CEO of Kennards Hire in April 2025.

Prior to joining the company, Stuart Dean was the manager for business applications at Coates Hire. 

On his replacement, Whitehouse said, “Having held numerous roles across the Kennards Hire business, Stuart brings his wide knowledge and experience to the CEO role.

“Leveraging his expertise, vision, and commitment to our values, I have no doubt the company will continue to flourish under his safe set of hands.”

Margie Haseltine said of Dean’s appointment, “We warmly welcome Stuart Dean into the CEO role. With his proven track record of driving innovation and growth within Kennards Hire, including our industry-first After Hours Returns service, we have full confidence in him as he guides the business through our current strategic cycle and beyond.”

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