Tony Leigh, one of the longest-serving officers of ACFO, is to be made an honorary life member of the fleet organisation following his decision to step down after more than 25 years service.

Leigh, who has been involved with the fleet operators’ group since the mid-1980s, is a former chairman of ACFO and since 1996 has served as its company secretary.

Leigh, who joined ACFO’s London East Region in the mid-1980s and co-founded the East Anglia Region through his then job at Schering Agro-Chemicals, said: “I believe now is the right time to step down and to let younger fleet decision-makers become more involved with ACFO.

“In more than a quarter of a century of involvement with ACFO I have seen the organisation change and grow so that it now deservedly is the premier organisation for fleet operators. I wish the organisation every success in the future.”

He served as a board director from 1993 to 2006 and although retiring from ACFO, continues in his job as head of car fleet services at PricewaterhouseCoopers with the organisation continuing as a member of the fleet group.

Julie Jenner, who took over from Mr Leigh as ACFO chairman in 2006, said: “Tony has been a tremendous servant to ACFO for more than a quarter of a century. His in-depth fleet knowledge and experience has been hugely beneficial to ACFO as a whole and many members.”

She added: “We will recognise Tony’s ACFO service and the work he has undertaken on behalf of the organisation by conferring on him honorary life membership at the 2012 AGM.”

Meanwhile, the ACFO board is currently considering the appointment of a new company secretary, and will announce its intentions early in the New Year.