AFP appoints first Government Affairs and Policy Lead

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has appointed Dale Eynon as its first Government Affairs and Policy Lead, marking a significant step in strengthening the organisation’s engagement with Westminster and policymakers.

In his new role, Eynon will act as an advocate for the fleet sector, managing relationships and communications with politicians, civil servants and other key decision-makers and influencers. The move reflects the growing impact of government policy on fleet operations, from net zero emissions targets to road safety and taxation.

A widely respected figure across the fleet industry, Eynon brings two decades of public sector experience to the post. He spent 20 years at the Environment Agency, part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), rising to Director of Defra Group Fleet Services before becoming an independent consultant last year.

Paul Hollick, chair of the AFP, said the appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the sector.

“We live in an era when government policy has a direct impact on fleet operations at almost every level on a daily basis,” he said. “This is especially true of net zero emissions but also includes areas as diverse as road safety and taxation.

“While the AFP already speaks regularly to the government and has good relationships with several key contacts, now seems very much like the moment to move our activities up a gear and ensure that our opinions are clearly heard by the right people at the right time. Dale’s appointment will be central to making that happen.”

Eynon said he is looking forward to acting as a bridge between AFP members and policymakers. “The AFP has become established as the leading voice of the fleet sector since its formation in 2020,” he said. “My job will be to connect its members with Westminster and promote their needs at the highest level. The influence of government on how fleets operate is probably more acute today than ever before. There is an absolute need to keep abreast of the latest thinking of those creating policies and to make our thoughts heard.”

His initial programme of activity will include hosting an inaugural AFP parliamentary event at the House of Commons, followed by a reception to launch the latest edition of the organisation’s annual Tax and Regulation Manifesto. Eynon will also work closely with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, represent the AFP at parliamentary select committees and All-Party Parliamentary Groups, and coordinate with the Treasury on taxation issues.

Looking ahead, Eynon said the AFP aims to establish a more structured and influential lobbying presence by 2026. “The aim is to build a lobbying structure that telegraphs fleet industry concerns to the government to take in account when constructing policy, while securing advocates who recognise the importance of our sector to both the requirements of businesses and the delivery of public services right across the UK.

“The bottom line is that we want to make a real difference to future government decisions affecting fleets.”