Marshall Leasing managing director Peter Cakebread is set to retire from the former AM100 PLC operation on April 30 – ending his 30 years at the helm.

Cakebread joined the Marshall business in November 1990 and has been instrumental in establishing Marshall Leasing as a leading company among the FN50 rankings of AM’s sister title, Fleet News.

The Bank of Ireland (UK) subsidiary Northridge Finance acquired the Marshall Leasing business in December 2017, but Cakebread remained as its boss.

Fleet News inducted Cakebread into its Hall of Fame in 2014 in recognition of his services to the fleet and leasing industry and last year he was the recipient of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association’s (BVRLA) Freddie Aldous Outstanding Contribution Award.

James McGee, managing director of Northridge Finance, said: “Thanks to Peter’s direction and drive, Marshall Leasing has been recognised by Fleet News and other industry bodies as being exceptional.

“He stands as one of the industry’s leading experts and this is reflected in the numerous industry awards he has received.”

McGee told Fleet News that Cakebread was a “true icon” within the leasing industry and a “genuine gentleman” who has become a real friend.

“He will leave us with a really strong business set for future growth and built on very solid foundations,” he added.

Cakebread has enjoyed a 40-year career in the fleet sector, having started out fresh from Cambridge University on a graduate trainee program at Heron.

After a short period as a director at Norfolk Finance, he joined Marshall Leasing in 1990 and soon surrounded myself with like-minded colleagues, many of whom are still with the business 30 years later.

“Together, we have built a business with a great reputation for dedication to customer service,” he said.

“Marshall Leasing has been my passion and through my involvement with the BVRLA, including a two-year stint as chairman, I have contributed to the development of the industry I love.”