Enterprise names first CEO outside Taylor family
Enterprise Holdings names Nicholson CEO; first person outside Taylor family to head company
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- For the first time in its 56-year history, someone outside the Taylor family is leading Enterprise Holdings.
The St. Louis-based vehicle rental company said Tuesday that Pamela M. Nicholson, a 32-year veteran of Enterprise Holdings, has been named chief executive officer. She was previously president and chief operating officer. She will continue to serve as president.
Andrew C. Taylor, who had been CEO since 1991, will remain as executive chairman.
"This step is a natural evolution of Pam's strong leadership of our business — leadership that has won her the loyalty and respect of our management team, of the Taylor family and of the larger Enterprise family," Andrew Taylor said in a statement.
Enterprise Holdings operates Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental.
Enterprise has had just two CEOs, founder Jack Taylor and his son, Andrew.
Nicholson was chief operating officer for 10 years. During that tenure, the company's revenues have more than doubled, to $15.4 billion in fiscal year 2012 from $6.9 billion in 2003. She was credited with leading the acquisition and integration of Alamo and National and overseeing international expansion.
Nicholson said following in their footsteps is a "terrific honor."
Nicholson began at Enterprise as a management trainee in 1981 after graduating from the University of Missouri. She was promoted several times, becoming senior vice president of North American operations in 1999, to chief operating officer in 2003 and president in 2008.
