LeasePlan USA’s executive leadership team has grown with the addition of its new senior vice president and transformation officer Felipe Smolka, the company announced Wednesday.

Smolka most recently led global connected vehicles strategy at IBM Global Business Services.

He brings connected vehicle expertise stemming from a background that has consistently focused on digital transformation, using the power of big data to create value and developing cutting-edge technologies, the company said.

“Not only will Felipe and his team be integral to transforming our business in the U.S., he will also assure that we leverage the Power of One LeasePlan and the benefits of being a truly global organization through operational excellence,” LeasePlan USA president and chief executive officer Jeff Schlesinger said in a news release announcing Smolka’s appointment.

“Felipe is an experienced and capable leader who has made immediate impacts since he joined the team. We look forward to his leadership in driving us to support our mission to provide any car, anytime, anywhere services,” said Schlesinger. 

In his new role, LeasePlan USA said Smolka will lead the strategy to drive modernization and innovation across the U.S. subsidiary.

“The market moves fast, and the fleet industry – as we know it – is changing,” said Smolka. “Higher customer expectations, tech disruption and fast product cycles present an immense opportunity for LeasePlan to leverage data and user insights to deliver engaging products, and much deeper and meaningful experiences.”