Greenwich, CT -
United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE: URI) today announced the appointment of Michael J. Kneeland as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Kneeland had served as the company's executive vice president-operations since 2003.
Wayland Hicks, chief executive officer for United Rentals, said, "Michael's new position as chief operating officer allows United Rentals to further capitalize on his extensive knowledge of the equipment rental business. His wealth of experience has been instrumental in helping our company to shape its strategy and achieve significant growth."
Michael Kneeland has more than 25 years of management experience in the equipment rental industry, including key positions in sales and operations with private, public and investor-owned companies. He initially joined United Rentals in 1998 as district manager upon the company's acquisition of Equipment Supply Company. In 1999 his responsibilities were expanded to include multiple districts within United Rentals' aerial operations. Kneeland was subsequently named vice president-aerial operations in 2000, and vice president-southeast region in 2001, before becoming executive vice president-operations.
Prior to joining United Rentals, Kneeland was president of Freestate Industries, Inc. from 1995 until that company was sold to Equipment Supply Company in 1996. From 1996 to 1998 he served as general manager for Rylan Rents dba Freestate Industries, a division of Equipment Supply. At the time it was acquired by United Rentals, Equipment Supply was the largest aerial equipment rental company in North America.
About United Rentals
United Rentals, Inc. is the largest equipment rental company in the world, with an integrated network of nearly 700 rental locations in 48 states, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The company's 12,000 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners and others. The company offers for rent over 20,000 classes of rental equipment with a total original cost of $3.9 billion. United Rentals is a member of the Standard & Poor's MidCap 400 Index and the Russell 2000 Index® and is headquartered in Greenwich, Conn. Additional information about United Rentals is available at www.unitedrentals.com.
Contact:
Chuck Wessendorf
VP, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications
United Rentals, Inc.
(203) 618-7318
[email protected]
Nicole Salas
Manager, Corporate Communications
United Rentals, Inc.
(203) 618-7246
[email protected]