Changes at Sunbelt Rentals UK as Andy Wright steps down

Andy Wright, the CEO of Sunbelt Rentals in the UK, is to step down at the end of April to be replaced by Phil Parker, the company’s COO .

Sunbelt said the changes were in line with its succession plan announced internally in April 2023.

Andy Wright, CEO of Sunbelt Rentals UK

Wright, who is a columnist with IRN, joined the business as COO in 2019 and became CEO in February 2020.

Sunbelt said he had provided “exceptional leadership...Under his leadership, the company experienced tremendous growth and success moving into new markets including facilities management and film and TV.

“His unwavering commitment to the values, vision, and mission has established a strong foundation for the future success of Sunbelt Rentals.”

Wright told IRN that he would be providing support to Phil Parker in the coming months. He said he was seeking a “slower pace” of work but was not retiring.

Brendan Horgan, Group CEO at Sunbelt Rentals, said “I would like to personally thank Andy Wright for his collaboration and transformative leadership. Sunbelt Rentals is a better business today as a direct result of his ambition and efforts.”

The incoming CEO, Phil Parker, joined Sunbelt’s UK business in 2016 as finance director after a career in finance with companies including Capita, BT and Enterprise. Since joining he has held executive roles in finance, business development, and most recently operations. 

Parker said; “Under Andy’s strategic leadership and guidance, Sunbelt Rentals has become the largest rental provider in the UK market and achieved remarkable growth and success. Moving forward, I am honoured and motivated to build on this legacy and drive the growth of our business through our next five-year strategic growth plan – Sunbelt 4.0.”

Wright, who has had a long career in equipment with companies including Aggreko, Lavendon and Speedy Hire, said in a LinkedIn post; “I’m delighted that I can hand the reins over to Phil Parker, who has been an outstanding leader and business partner during the events of the last five years, and thoroughly deserves his promotion.”