b'CHAPTER 06GOING THEIR OWN WAY | 71PETER LANCKEN GORDON HOWLETTKENNARDSWhen Peter Lancken joined Kennards Hire in 1994, he had goneGordon Howlett was appointed as a non-executive director in 1997, through a strenuous interview process. Hisfirst nine months withbefore stepping up as chairman in 2001. Gordon holds a Bachelor of the company were a transition period, in which he was manager Economics (Hons) from the University of Sydney. Before coming to of Kennards Hires Sydney operations and had limitations on capitalKennards Hire, he held positions including executive general manager expenditure and termination of employees. Coming from a Britishof operations at Qantas and managing director of Avis Australia, multinational, the culture shock of joining an Australian familywhere he was instrumental in leading Avis to a leading market business was considerable. But he had faith in Andy and Nevs position throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Before that, he had over success, and knew he could build upon it for the growth of thetwenty years experience in marketing and management positions company. Andy knew hed made the right decision by the end ofwith leading consumer goods companies including Colgate-Peters transition period. Palmolive, Philip Morris, General Foods, Kolotex and Lifesavers.Under his leadership, Kennards Hire became the largestGordon had a reputation of being a hands-on director, which family-owned equipment hire company in Australia, growing fromis exactly what Andy and Pete were looking for. Working in a a small branch network into an iconic national brand. The companyfamily-owned company was new territory for Gordon. However, won the Hire and Rental Industry Association (HRIA) title of Hirehe was a quick learner, experienced in rental, and soon became Company of the Year twice, and expanded to more than seventywell-versed in the intricacies of working within a family business branches during Peters tenure. structure. His specialty was initiating fresh ideas and improved standards. He implemented a sophisticated system to evaluate the Its no exaggeration to say that Pete went on to become one ofperformance of each branch, understanding that every branch had the most recognised individuals in the Australian equipment hiredifferent factors to consider and recognising that it would not be fair industry. He served as president of the New South Wales Hire &to compare a busy suburban branch to an isolated branch using the Rental Association from 1996 to 2004. He was also vice presidentsame criteria.and board member of the HRIA from 1996 to 2009. Peter played a key role in shaping the industry and guiding the HRIA throughAccording to Gordon, there comes a time when a business as large its transition from a state-based to a national association. He wasas Kennards Hire is not a family business anymoreit is a business inducted as a Life Member of the HRIA in 2006 and received theowned by a family. I wanted, without taking away from the culture Meritorious Service Award from the American Rental Associationor from the longer-term view, to introduce some of the elements (ARA) in 2007. In 2009, Peter was recognised for his contribution toof corporate discipline and governance, like improving our financial the development of the Global Rental Alliance by the ARA. reporting, he said. After stepping down as CEO of Kennards Hire in 2009, PeterPerhaps Gordons greatest claim to fame was his witty and remained involved with the company as a non-executive director entertaining (and sometimes lengthy!) speeches at staff functions and served as chairman from 2011 to 2017. He continues to serve and awards nights. He had the ability to capture an audience with as a non-executive director of Kennards Hire. his stories, always prompting laughter and providing insight into the work of Kennards Hire. I must have done over a hundred awards nights, Gordon laughs. Id pick a theme and make it fun. Though maybe not so much fun for his liver, hes quick to point out!'