Industry Outlook:Holman Execs on the Future of Fleet
Holman Appoints Chris Conroy as CEO
Carl Ortell will transition to a new role as Vice Chair of the Holman Board and help to shape the company’s strategic vision.

New Holman CEO Chris Conroy succeeds Carl Ortell, as the fleet services and management company pursues a strategic vision that takes it into a second century of operations.
Photos: Holman
Holman, a global automotive and fleet services company, on June 20 announced it has appointed Chris Conroy as its new CEO, while Carl Ortell will take on a new role as Vice Chair of the Holman Board.
Ortell, along with Mindy Holman and the entire Board of Directors, will continue to shape the organization’s strategic vision, supporting Conroy and his executive leadership team as the company prepares to embark on its second century in business.
“For the last eight years, it has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve as the CEO of Holman, guiding this extraordinary organization along an incredible journey, and together, achieving many truly remarkable accomplishments,” said Carl Ortell in a news release. “As President and COO, Chris demonstrated a profound understanding of the evolving needs of our various customers as well as the opportunities — and challenges — on the horizon for our business. This keen business acumen along with his innate ability to inspire those around him will be invaluable to our business as we begin the next chapter of the Holman story.”
Throughout his nearly 30-year career with Holman, Conroy has held a number of senior leadership roles across the organization, most recently serving as president and chief operating officer. During his tenure, Conroy has provided exceptional leadership and displayed an unwavering dedication to Holman’s long-standing core values and principles, overseeing a period of unprecedented success for the global automotive services organization.
In his new role as CEO, Conroy will look to build upon and strengthen the company’s services, forge new growth opportunities, lead innovative automotive and mobility solutions for Holman’s customers, and continue to the company’s efforts to provide a rewarding career and a better life for every employee and their family.
“Since the day my grandfather Steward Holman founded our business in 1924 as a single Ford dealership, Holman’s success and growth has been built on a steadfast commitment to always doing the right thing for our people, our customers, and our communities,” said Mindy Holman, Chair of the Holman Board.
“Carl has championed this philosophy throughout his career and, along with Chris and his leadership team, has fostered a workplace culture that allows it to continue to flourish. As Carl transitions to his new role and with Chris at the helm as CEO, our organization is incredibly well positioned to continue driving what’s right.”
Conroy and Ortell will work closely together for the rest of 2023 to complete the CEO transition process by the start of next year.
More Operations

The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations
This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.
Read More →
How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft
A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.
Read More →
Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap
Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.
Read More →
Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
A buyer's guide to fleet management software in 2027
Buying fleet management software in 2027 means looking beyond features and price. As fleet operations, technology and expectations evolve, this guide explores what today’s fleet professionals should consider when choosing a system that can deliver value now and adapt to what comes next.
Read More →
What Will Shape the Next Era of Fleet Management?
EVs, AI, and autonomous vehicles are reshaping fleet management. Discover what’s ahead—and how fleet leaders can prepare for the next era.
Read More →
How Fleets Can Recruit and Train Veterans for Technician Roles
Here's how the technician shortage has affected uptime for fleets, and what to do about it.
Read More →
Avis Budget Group Deploys Neology Toll Management Technology Across Major Brands
Neology’s neoFleet platform will manage toll transactions and toll-authority operations for vehicles across Avis, Budget, Payless, Budget Truck and Zipcar.
Read More →
Fleet Personal-Use Charges Edge Higher in 2026
Nearly eight in 10 surveyed fleets allow personal use of company vehicles, while just over half of respondents report charging employees for the privilege.
Read More →
