Wheels Appointed Matthew Cole as President
The fleet management firm has hired the industry veteran to oversee its growth and innovation strategy.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People
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Wheels has appointed Matthew Cole as its new President to lead the firm's growth and development initiatives. The company currently manages over 800,000 vehicles for more than 1,000 clients globally.
Why it matters
The board tasked Cole with accelerating product innovation and deepening client relationships to maintain the company's competitive edge in fleet management. His hire reflects a strategic pivot toward integrating automotive technology into fleet services.
Wheels manages a fleet of 800,000 vehicles across 61 countries through an alliance with Ayvens. This footprint includes 80,000 electric vehicles, representing a significant segment of their current client-managed assets.
The players
Matthew Cole
An automotive and technology executive with over 30 years of experience who previously led the Intelligent Systems business at Aptiv.
Wheels
A fleet management company that services over 1,000 clients and maintains an international presence through an alliance with Ayvens.
The details
Cole joins the organization following a three-decade career in the automotive and technology sectors. In his new role, he is charged with scaling the company's product offerings and enhancing its technological integration for fleet operators. He previously served as head of Intelligent Systems at Aptiv and held leadership roles at Visteon, Johnson Controls, and Ford Motor Company.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: Matthew Cole was officially appointed as President of Wheels.
Market Landscape
Cole's appointment follows a broader industry trend where fleet management firms prioritize leaders with deep expertise in intelligent systems and vehicle connectivity. This move positions the firm to compete in an environment increasingly defined by the electrification of corporate vehicle portfolios.
Fleet operators should monitor the company's upcoming service announcements for shifts in technology-driven product availability. The leadership transition suggests a heightened focus on electric vehicle management and digital efficiency for existing clients.
The takeaway
The appointment highlights the increasing importance of technology integration in the fleet management sector. Operators should evaluate whether their own fleet providers are similarly prioritizing technological innovation to meet evolving electrification and efficiency mandates.
Further reading
For more on shifts in the industry's leadership landscape, see our coverage of People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Global Fleet.
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