Chrissy Taylor, the CEO of Enterprise Mobility, is leading the $35 billion car rental giant into the future of mobility. As the third generation of her family to run the privately held company, Taylor is focused on testing new technology, including electric vehicles, while ensuring that customers are comfortable with the transition. Unlike competitors like Hertz, which struggled with a large fleet of electric vehicles, Taylor is taking a more cautious approach to EV adoption.
Enterprise has been a dominant player in the car rental industry for 67 years, thanks to the Taylor family’s long-term vision and commitment to reinvesting in the business. With a revenue that dwarfs that of rivals like Hertz and Avis, Enterprise remains 100% family-owned and has the advantage of being able to invest for long-term goals without the pressure of quarterly earnings reports. Chrissy Taylor, who took over as CEO in 2020, faces the challenge of expanding the company’s international footprint and growing its non-core businesses while maintaining its competitive edge.
Taylor’s upbringing in the family business prepared her for leadership, starting from cleaning cars and interacting with customers before moving up the ranks. Her father, Andy, who served as CEO for many years, emphasized the importance of treating the family business as a privilege and passing it down successfully to the next generation. Taylor’s cousin, Carolyn Kindle, also became involved in the family philanthropy side of the business, running the Crawford Taylor Foundation and the Enterprise Mobility Foundation.
The COVID-19 pandemic presented a challenge for Enterprise, with lockdowns disrupting the travel industry and stranding cars. However, thanks to its strong balance sheet and off-airport market dominance, the company was able to weather the storm better than its competitors. As travel demand rebounded, Enterprise focused on serving its B2B clients and implemented safety measures like contactless pick-up and drop-off of rental cars. The company emerged stronger from the pandemic, with revenue up 35% since 2019.
Looking ahead, Taylor is focused on expanding Enterprise’s international presence and diversifying its business beyond car rentals. The company has investments in software platforms and venture capital ventures, aiming to stay ahead of emerging mobility trends like electrification and AI-powered travel planning. As Taylor plans for the future and considers succession, she is mindful of the legacy of leadership and innovation passed down through her family.
