International Leasing Industry pays tribute to Mike Fleming

from Decision Points... Brief,
a publication of the Alta Group

Michael J. Fleming, CAE, Equipment Leasing Association President
“Considered the ‘Dean' of all leasing associations”

Over the past 27 years there has been one constant in US leasing who has helped to guide the industry through a period of profound change. Mike Fleming is a quietly spoken man whose voice has been heard loud around the world and his enormous contributions have helped to shape the industry that we see today. His work may have been primarily related to the US, but it is clear that Mike has also been a significant influence in the evolution of the leasing industry globally and over the decades has earned immense international respect.

It will come as no surprise to anybody who knows him that he is held in high esteem in leasing circles around the world and, to mark his forthcoming retirement from the position of ELA president on 1st July 2006, the FLA (the UK equivalent of the ELA) recently organised a dinner in Mike's honour. A black tie function in a private dining room at the famous Ivy restaurant in London, the guest list of 30 comprised a who's who of senior figures from the global leasing community. Among the guests were some of Mike's counterparts, including Marc Baert (Director General of Leaseurope), Martin Hall (Director General of the FLA), Ron Hardaker (Federal Director of the Australian Equipment Lessors Association) and David Powell (President of the Canadian Finance & Leasing Association), together with leading names, both past and present, from the UK leasing industry.

Once seated, Sam Geneen, the current FLA Chairman, welcomed everybody with a short speech. Although equally entertaining, it was somewhat shorter than his address to the annual FLA dinner attended by 1,500 people just two nights earlier. More speeches and tributes followed the dinner, praising Mike's contributions, and the guidance he has given to so many around the world. There were kind words speaking of his wisdom and knowledge of leasing matters and also many comments about the great friendships that had developed over the decades. Paul Larkins, the Chairman of the ELA who was also in attendance, added his personal remarks to the international tributes.

To commemorate this occasion and in recognition of his great love of trains, Mike was presented with an antique British Rail clock, recovered from an old signal box and then lovingly restored. To accompany the clock, Mike also received a book in which this clock was featured.

Pictured at the Ivy dinner commemorating Mike Fleming's retirement are (left to right):

Sam Geneen (Chairman FLA), Derek Soper (Principal The Alta Group and former Chairman FLA), Martin Hall (Director General FLA), Marc Baert (Secretary General, Leaseurope), Mike Fleming (President ELA), Paul Larkins (Chairman ELA) and Alan Leesmith (Principal The Alta Group)