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Where we come from

Take a tour through our history

  • Overview
  • How we lead
  • Our management
  • Historic milestones
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Leading the way

As a global leader in fleet management services, our leadership team brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. We leverage this diversity and breadth of experience to provide comprehensive consulting resources and capabilities coupled with innovative products and services to help our customers future-proof their mobility.

Alphabet is now represented in 38 countries
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Alphabet GB | Behind the scenes

Take a look at what our employees have to say about us.

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Headshot of Mike Dennett, CEO of Alphabet (GB) Limited

Mike Dennett

Chief Executive Officer at BMW Group Financial Services in the UK since 2015, Mike is responsible for strategic and business leadership across the Group’s B2C and B2B financial services scope, encompassing BMW, MINI, RollsRoyce, Alphabet and Alphera.  His priorities include building long-term profitable growth, continual enhancement of the customer experience, and securing loyalty for customers and partners.   

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and spending 9 years with PwC, Mike joined the BMW Group in 1999 as Head of Accounting for BMW Financial Services (GB) Ltd, followed by a period in Munich as Head of Accounting, Reporting and Controlling for the BMW Bank GmbH, and returning to the UK in 2004 as Head of Finance for BMW (UK) Ltd.  

A car and motorcycle enthusiast who believes in building a sustainable future for the industry, Mike has held numerous posts overseas within the BMW Group, including as CFO at BMW Financial Services South Africa, CEO of BMW Financial Services Belgium, and CEO BMW Financial Services Region Northern Europe.  

Mike Dennett
Chief Executive Officer
Alphabet (GB) Limited

Ian Turner

Ian Turner

Ian is the Chief Sales Officer for Alphabet (GB) and is a member of the leadership team.

He has an impressive track record in sales, marketing and product development which spans over 35 years. His wealth of experience is helping to shape Alphabet’s go to market strategy and growth aspirations, while retaining the essential customer-centric approach.

Prior to joining Alphabet in May 2024, Ian was on the board of directors for ALD Automotive for 10 years, during which he held the roles of Sales and Marketing Director, Sales Director, and Corporate Sales Director. He also has experience leading strategic relationships with manufacturers and sponsoring aspects of a major business transformation following a large-scale acquisition in 2023.

Ian Turner
Chief Sales Officer
Alphabet (GB) Limited

Headshot of Ursula Wingfield, CFO of Alphabet (GB) Limited

Ursula Wingfield

Ursula is the Chief Financial Officer for BMW Financial Services (GB) and Alphabet (GB).

With over 30 years’ experience in finance, strategic planning, project management, business development and marketing, Ursula is responsible for a range of financial management and reporting activities, including treasury, auditing, accounting, data management, and financial planning to underpin both companies’ strategic direction to support their growth.

Ursula joined the BMW Group in 1992 as a Business Management Consultant for BMW South Africa. In 1997, she was appointed Chief Financial Officer at BMW Financial Services (South Africa). In 2002, she moved to Canada and took up the role of Chief Financial Officer for BMW Financial Services Canada, after which she was appointed to the roles of Chief Executive Officer for BMW Financial Services South Africa in 2005 and the Global Head of Strategy and Business Development for BMW Financial Services in Germany in 2008.

In 2011, Ursula joined the board of BMW Bank with responsibility for sales and marketing. She was then appointed chairman of the board of Alphabet Fuhrparkmanagement in 2015, which she held for five-and-a-half years prior to becoming the Chief Financial Officer for BMW Financial Services (GB) in 2020 and for Alphabet (GB) in 2021.

Ursula is a chartered accountant and holds a bachelor of honours degree in Accounting Science.

Ursula Wingfield
Chief Financial Officer
Alphabet (GB) Limited

Chris Sinclair

Chris Sinclair

Chris is the Chief Compliance Officer for BMW Financial Services (GB) and Alphabet (GB), and is a member of the leadership team.

With almost 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry, Chris is currently responsible for providing compliance advice to the company and undertaking monitoring activities to provide assurance of regulatory adherence. Financial crime prevention and data protection also fall within Chris’ remit. 

Since joining Alphabet in 1997, Chris has held several roles in pricing, controlling and risk management, which included five years working as Chief Risk Officer for BMW Financial Services in Canada from 2011 to 2016. He was then appointed Chief Risk Officer for BMW Financial Services (GB) in 2016, before taking up his current Chief Compliance Officer role in 2022.

Chris is a qualified management accountant through the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and holds a bachelor of honours degree in economics. He is also an active member of the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) and the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA).

Chris Sinclair
Head of Compliance
Alphabet (GB) Limited

Headshot of Chantal Gorman, CRO of Alphabet (GB) Limited

Chantal Gorman

Chantal joined the company during the integration of Alphabet and ING in 2011.

With 25 years’ experience in the vehicle leasing industry, Chantal beings a wealth of financial management to the role. She previously worked in almost all areas of Finance within Alphabet including Controlling/Financial planning, Information Management, Underwriting and Collections, giving her invaluable experience and insight into our financial management.

Chantal Gorman
Chief Risk Officer
Alphabet (GB) Limited

Headshot of Jean-Michel Barachy, COO of Alphabet (GB) Limited

Jean-Michel Barachy

Jean-Michel is the Chief Operations Officer for BMW Financial Services (GB) and Alphabet (GB), and is member of the leadership team.

Prior to joining Alphabet (GB) in November 2024, Jean-Michel had worked for BMW Group Financial Services for 20 years. He started his career in the IT department in France in 2004 and was appointed Chief Information Officer in 2010. From 2013, Jean-Michel began his international career; first in Munich, Germany, where he held various leading IT positions, before moving to China in 2018, where he successfully led a significant project to replace the key financial services systems. In 2021, he moved to Japan and was appointed Chief Operations Officer, with responsibility for the digital transformation programme.

Jean-Michel brings a wealth of business, IT and cultural integration experience across the financial services landscape. He is fully committed to delivering excellent customer outcomes and service, through effective and efficient processes, systems, and people.

Jean-Michel Barachy
Chief Operations Officer
Alphabet (GB) Limited

Our history

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2024

Alphabet expands its OneNet partner network into Slovenia and the Baltic states through the integration of Avant Car and Mobire. The new partnerships will expand Alphabet’s range of innovative mobility solutions into 38 countries, ensuring comprehensive coverage across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia.

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2023

Alphabet confirms a new market entry in Mexico via cooperation and a new partner in Australia & New Zealand. Alphabet is now in 36 markets worldwide.

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2022

Alphabet is now represented in 33 markets worldwide with the addition of 2 new partnerships: Jim Pattison Lease operating in Canada; and Secto Automotive in Finland.

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2020

Alphabet confirms a new partner in New Zealand and Australia. Companies with business operations in New Zealand and Australia can now benefit from the newly founded cooperation of SG Fleet. With the new partnership, Alphabet is now represented in 31 markets worldwide.

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2019

Alphabet customers are now served in Norway. Alphabet International enters the Norwegian market and extends its presence across all of Scandinavia. With the new partnership with AUTO PLAN, Alphabet is now represented in 30 markets worldwide. Through AUTO PLAN, Alphabet International customers can have access to full operational leasing products and services in the Norwegian market. Alphabet customers are now served in Brazil. Alphabet International operations have taken a big leap and entered the South American market, by securing a strong partner in Brazil - Unidas. Alphabet is now offering full operational leasing and financial leasing products to organizations in 29 markets worldwide. Alphabet’s 700,000th vehicle has reached its destination. In the beginning of 2019, Alphabet hit the point of 700.000 vehicles. Alphabet’s growth and varied portfolio has been made possible through trusted partnerships and loyal customers. Reaching the 700,000 milestone is an important achievement for the company and an incentive to continue on this path and into a new era of mobility.

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2018

Alphabet customers are now served in Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria and Cyprus. Alphabet International has officially extended its offering to 28 countries. Through gaining Autohellas SA as a business partner, Alphabet has expanded into Greek market and, profits from Autohellas’ reach, securing the Croatian, Bulgarian and Cypriot markets as well. Alphabet customers are now served in Turkey. Alphabet International has officially extended its offering to 24 countries. Companies with business operations in Turkey can now benefit from the cooperation of Alphabet's competitive mobility partner Hedef Filo. Alphabet customers are now served in Russia. Alphabet International has officially extended its offering to 23 countries, with the addition of Russia to its markets spanning across Europe, Australia and China. This was made possible thanks to a cooperation with Major Profi – Russia’s most experienced Leasing Company. Alphabet customers are now served in Serbia. Alphabet International and Pan-Iberian customers now have access to full operational leasing products and services in the Serbian market. Companies with business operations in Serbia can now benefit from the cooperation with AKS Fleet Solution, Belgrade. Alphabet customers are now served in Ireland. Alphabet International and Pan-Iberian customers now have access to full operational leasing products and services in the Irish market. Companies with business operations in Ireland can now benefit from the cooperation by Alphabet's Irish most experienced leasing company partner Denis Mahony (Contract Rentals) T/A Avis Fleet Solutions. Alphabet customers are now served in Portugal. Alphabet International and Pan-Iberian customers now have access to full operational leasing products and services in the emerging Portuguese market. Companies with business operations in Portugal can now benefit from the cooperation by Alphabet's competent mobility partner Kinto (former Finlog). In some cases, a telephone interview takes place prior to the interview in person. If we end up picking you, and, of course, providing you decide you would like to be part of our Alphabet family, the onboarding process is started.

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2017

Alphabet launches in China. Alphabet offers a portfolio of services focusing on Financial Leasing and Business Mobility solutions on the Chinese market. To comply with local business regulations, Alphabet operates in China as a part of Herald International Financial Leasing Co. Ltd.

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2014

Alphabet offers carbon compensation programme. Alphabet is constantly developing ways to minimise fleet CO2 emissions. This programme now offers a way to compensate carbon emissions by supporting environmental projects.

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2013

Alphabet hands over its 500,000th car. This is a milestone in the company’s history and another step on the way to becoming the leading European Business Mobility provider.

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2011

In September, Alphabet acquires ING Car Lease, a subsidiary of ING Group. The acquisition boosts Alphabet's industry ranking and strengthens its international presence. Alphabet now has more than 474,000 cars under management.

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2010

Alphabet launches a Mobility Services division for the development of innovative Business Mobility solutions. Its first result is the launch of AlphaCity (now Alphabet Share) which is introduced by Alphabet France. AlphaCity is a CarSharing programme to complement corporate car pools. It meets the growing demand for sustainable mobility management especially for short trips and for urban areas.

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2007

Alphabet celebrates its tenth anniversary. With more than 250,000 company cars under management and about 680 employees worldwide, the company is one of the top ten European fleet management service providers.

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2003

Following steady expansion, Alphabet consolidates its position in Europe. The company also simplifies cross-border fleet management by publishing the European Fleet Handbook.

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1997

Alphabet is established in the UK as the fleet management subsidiary of the BMW Group.