The client

Avis Budget Group Europe (Avis) is a leading global provider of vehicle rental services, with 6,500 employees and revenues in excess of €4.6bn.

Operating across 11 European countries, the organisation works within tight margins to maintain and develop its position in a highly competitive market.

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Case Study: Building global change capability at Avis Budget Group

The challenge

Operating across 11 European countries, Avis works within tight margins to maintain and develop its position in a highly competitive market.

The organisation needed to reduce operating overheads and create more consistent and efficient processes across Europe. Leadership recognised they had more cost reduction opportunities through two European shared service centres, and by getting best value out of all their business assets.

They asked Change Associates to help.

What we did

Change Associates supported Avis’s business transformation through all key steps: establishing a plan, defining a benefits case and Key Performance Indictors, defining an operating model and organisation design, planning a transition and implementing with success.

Our team used a transparent and collaborative approach with the Executive Committee, board members, and key stakeholders across all 11 countries.

Working with top management we clarified the scope and the business case for the transformation programme. We designed a benefits tracking model for each country to ensure the business was able to accurately measure results.

We led a team that included consultants from a big five firm to map processes and define a target operating model. Our consultants identified opportunities for efficiency gains and transitioned 360 in-country roles to 140 roles across two shared service centres.

A thorough knowledge-transfer process prior to cutover ensured a smooth transition of roles and responsibilities. We worked with local HR teams to manage exhaustive communication and change management activities. Our specialists also supported the negotiations with European Works Councils.

During implementation, Change Associates provided leadership and transformation capability to the business. We addressed people, capability, and cultural issues, and took accountability for benefits realisation.

Change Associates supported all programme management activities to ensure coordination and alignment across initiatives.

The result

  •  €2.5M value of benefits in the first year
  • 30% (€14.4M) projected further benefits
  • Primarily achieved through transition of processes to shared service centres
  • Developed a framework to measure and track benefit realisation
  • Identified further opportunities for process improvement
  • HR Transformation programme initiated, led by Change Associates.

Image (c) Shutterstock | Cosmin Sava

“It was obvious within a few weeks of Change Associates arriving on site they would make things happen quickly, and they have excelled for the duration of the project.

“Change Associates have an open and honest approach. They quickly gave a clear picture of the issues we are facing and the best solution.

“They draw on a wealth of experience, are trustworthy, and always act with integrity.” 

EMEA HR Director

Avis Budget Group