United Rentals COO to step down

Dale Asplund is to leave United Rentals in September. (Photo: United Rentals)

United Rentals has announced that its executive vice president and chief operating officer (COO) Dale Asplund is to step down from his role later this year.

Asplund, who is leaving to take up the role of CEO for landscaping company BrightView, leaves United after more than 20 years, having joined in 1998 as senior vice president for business services. 

He will remain with United until the end of September to ensure a smooth transition with his replacement Michael Durand, who has been promoted to COO.

Durand has worked at United since 2005 and is currently senior vice president of sales and operations.

Matthew Flannery, chief executive officer of United Rentals, said, “We expect this to be a seamless transition between two seasoned leaders who have worked closely together for many years. Mike is a proven leader whose numerous contributions have delivered strong results across the company.

“I’m confident that his operational expertise and demonstrated ability to lead our business will play a key role in our continued focus to drive profitable growth and generate shareholder value.”

Acknowledging the role Asplund played in his time with the company, Flannery said the company “deeply appreciate Dale’s truly extraordinary contributions.

“On a personal note, I want to thank Dale for his incredible partnership, leadership, and commitment to our employees and shareholders. We wish him the very best as he assumes a new career opportunity.”