ARA names Conant as its next executive VP and CEO

Updated Oct 21, 2016
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The American Rental Association has tapped Tony Conant, whose resume is packed with operations and supply chain experience, as its next executive vice president and CEO.

Conant was chosen by the association’s board of directors and will replace Christine Wehrman who is retiring after 16 years with ARA. Conant will become only the fourth ARA executive VP/CEO since the association’s founding in 1955. His appointment will take effect in mid-November.

ARA president Roger Vajgrt said Conant’s “professional career experience and education (are) a definite asset to ARA as we look ahead to the future of the equipment rental industry.”

Conant most recently served as the chief operating officer of the Institute for Supply management in Phoenix. He also has more than 20 years of experience developing operations and supply chain strategies at companies including Intel, BASF, Whirlpool and Bank of America. He also served as VP of operations and share services at One Touch Direct, a direct marketing company.

 

“I welcome the opportunity to join such a dynamic organization and staff team,” said Conant. “Hallmarks of the organization are innovative and strategic thinking that represent the equipment rental industry very effectively. I look forward to building upon that ARA legacy with the volunteer leaders and staff members.”

Conant hails from Detroit and earned a bachelor’s degree in operations management from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. He also holds an MBA in finance and international economics from the University of Florida and completed Six Sigma Black Belt certification from the University of California at San Diego.