Wheels has appointed Matthew Cole as president, adding a longtime automotive and technology executive to its leadership team as the fleet management company looks to accelerate growth and deepen its relationships with clients.

Cole brings more than 30 years of experience working across automotive, technology, operations, and product development. Before joining Wheels, he led Aptiv’s Intelligent Systems business and previously held senior roles at Visteon and Johnson Controls after beginning his career at Ford Motor Company.

For Cole, the move also brings him into an organization he said matches his longstanding interest in businesses built around both technology and customer needs.

“I've always been drawn to customer-centric organizations that combine innovation, technology and deep industry expertise to create meaningful value,” Cole wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing his new role.

Building on Wheels’ Fleet Management Business

As president, Cole will focus on Wheels’ growth strategy as well as innovation across its products and services.

Wheels CEO Shlomo Crandus said Cole’s combination of automotive and technology experience, along with his work leading global organizations, will support the company’s plans to strengthen client relationships and position the business for future growth.

Cole has managed teams and businesses across the U.S., Europe, and Asia and brings experience in strategy, operations, technology, product development, and financial performance.

“Wheels has tremendous opportunity ahead, and I’m thrilled and energized to be joining the organization at such an important time,” Cole said. “We will build on Wheels’ strengths, deepening our client relationships and accelerating innovation across the business.”

In his LinkedIn announcement, Cole also pointed to connected technologies and data as areas creating new opportunities for companies managing vehicles and mobile workforces.

He said his goal is to help Wheels build on its existing foundation while advancing innovation and delivering additional value to clients.

Wheels provides fleet management products and services covering the vehicle lifecycle from acquisition through disposition. The company serves more than 1,000 clients representing more than 800,000 vehicles across North America, including more than 80,000 electric vehicles.

Wheels has corporate offices in Chicago, Atlanta, and Mississauga, Canada, and serves more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. Through its global alliance with Ayvens, the company provides fleet solutions in 61 countries.