From the 1st January 2026, Michael Thistlethwaite will become chief executive officer (Rental Division) after successfully leading Wernick Hire as managing director for 13 years. The new role will oversee the group’s rental companies; Wernick Hire, Wernick Power Solutions, Wernick Events and Rawley Plant Hire; which currently account for around 70% of the Wernick Group’s annual turnover

At the same time, Darren Brown is being promoted from deputy managing director (Wernick Hire) to chief operating officer (Rental Division) and will lead business support functions including quality management, training and development, supply chain, fleet procurement and operational efficiency.

Within Wernick Hire, Nikki Amers-Delph, currently sales director, has been appointed as the new managing director, bringing more than 20 years of experience across sales, depot management and major account leadership. Stephen McNulty will become deputy managing director, overseeing southern operations, Steve Painter, head of major accounts, will join the Wernick Hire Management Team and Ricky Wedlock will become operations director for the northern region.

Wernick Group CEO Jonathan Wernick said: “This new leadership framework supports the ambition outlined in our Vision2030 strategy. Promoting from within is a core value of our organisation, and it is a pleasure to see colleagues who have developed with us over many years step into senior roles. I wish them every success in their new positions.”