Hertz transforms under Tim Langley-Hawthorne's leadership

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic and changing market conditions, Hertz has initiated a significant technology and organizational transformation directed by Chief Information Officer Tim Langley-Hawthorne. This strategic shift, which began over the past three and a half years, aims to modernize the company and enhance its positioning as a product-led digital entity. Hertz operates globally in over 160 countries with a vast fleet of more than 560,000 vehicles, necessitating an internal rejuvenation focused on logistics and customer service while improving operational efficiency. Collaborating closely with Chief Product Development Officer Ned Ryan, Langley-Hawthorne has established a dual-track approach centered around product development for both consumers and the vehicle fleet. This transformation required not only a cultural shift in how the company approaches product development but also the acquisition of new talents from leading technology firms such as Amazon and Rivian, which adds a fresh perspective and expertise in innovation. Key goals of this dual approach are to embed a product mindset field-wide and to address the evolving demands of the rental car market. The modernization strategy Langley-Hawthorne spearheads involves two key vectors: a bottom-up approach that encourages grassroots innovation and an outside-in perspective informed by industry trends and customer insights. The company utilizes customer feedback significantly, which is crucial to driving iterative improvements in their products. Instead of delaying updates for major releases, the team focuses on rapid testing and responding to real-time data, enhancing the overall efficiency of product development processes. Faced with supply chain hurdles and rising used car prices, Hertz has revisited its fleet strategy, sharpening its operational focus on the effective buying, holding, and selling of vehicles. Notably, innovations such as automated tire inspections are being introduced to ensure maintenance can be managed more dynamically. Langley-Hawthorne recognizes the importance of preparing for a future that includes more advanced technologies like autonomous vehicles. He believes Hertz has a unique status and capability to manage vehicle fleets effectively, providing a solid foundation for potential autonomous operations. By combining product-centric strategies with a focus on enabling technology and strong partnerships, Hertz is positioning itself for sustainable growth and operational efficiency in the fast-evolving mobility landscape.