The challenge
Managing the operational takeover of LeasePlan by ALD Automotive and the rebrand to Ayvens.
Integrating reliable source systems from the core systems of both organisations.
Preserving business-critical knowledge built up over years, often automated and not always documented.
The result
Effective project management: despite the complex scope, the project was completed successfully thanks to Harmony’s strong methodological approach and flexible team support
Successful technical data migration of the core systems was delivered within the set timeline, laying the foundation for full integration.
The new Ayvens identity was launched with a positive market reception and momentum.
The largest integration in the Belgian mobility sector
The integration of ALD Automotive and LeasePlan into the new Ayvens brand was one of the most ambitious projects in the mobility sector in recent decades.
A crucial bottleneck emerged around the technical data migration, the heart of the integration. So Ayvens was looking for an experienced project manager who could get things moving straight away.
The biggest challenges were:
Technical complexity with no margin for error: Migrating critical data from the core systems of LeasePlan to those of ALD Automotive, where any mistake could have operational consequences.
Project continuity under pressure: In the middle of the integration process, there was an urgent need for an experienced project manager who could quickly pick up the highly complicated technical details without losing valuable time.
Bridging cultural differences: "We had two teams, from ALD and from LeasePlan. Naturally, there’s a cultural difference there," says Daria. These teams had to work together on one of the most critical aspects of the integration.
Knowledge gaps: Years of business-critical knowledge and automated processes that were not always documented had to be preserved through the transition. "Every company has a long history, and sometimes knowledge has simply built up over years, so the knowledge gaps are not immediately visible."
Strategic deployment of expertise at the critical moment
The engagement had two strategic parts: senior expertise for the critical data migration and extra capacity for the complex final sprint.
Senior project management for the technical migration: Janne, an experienced project manager, was brought in to lead the technical data migration. "Even though she joined in the middle of the project, she picked up the highly complicated details and scope incredibly quickly," says Daria.
This expertise was crucial because the technical migration was the absolute foundation of the whole integration. "You could see the leadership qualities straight away. I quickly noticed we were in good hands."
Methodological reset: The Harmony team immediately brought a professional, structured approach. "The way it was done methodologically was perfect: the structured approach to the project scope, the taskforce, all the task list details... it was handled very professionally. Other stakeholders in the process also quickly gave us positive feedback on the work of the Harmony team."
Extra capacity in a critical phase: Alongside the senior expertise, extra project support was brought in. "We had limited budgets, and Harmony suggested adding an extra junior resource," says Daria. This strategic reinforcement proved crucial for cross-functional activities such as end-to-end testing.
"We were all really impressed by Tatyana, who gave us a real push over the last six months. The way she could step into complex topics without any prior knowledge of the company or the market was incredible!"
Daria also noticed that Harmony’s contribution went beyond expertise and methodology: "The personality of both women was crucial to the good collaboration. I really can’t stress enough how grateful we are for that!"
Successful integration within the deadline
The integration was completed successfully within the set timeline, resulting in the launch of the new Ayvens brand and operational continuity.
Technical achievement: The data migration was the foundation of the integration. "For me, this integration simply would not have happened without this technical migration project. We would not have been able to operate as one company on one IT landscape without it."
Proven crisis management: The ultimate test came during the cutover weekend. Here too, the Harmony team showed its commitment: "They were just as involved as our own people, also at weekends or in the evenings, supporting, organising, on top of every detail."
Long-term impact: The integration was not only delivered on time, it also laid the foundation for the future growth of Ayvens. After the successful brand launch, the company is now in a hypercare period to further optimise operational processes.
The way everything was managed right from the start: stakeholder management, structural approach, methodological approach, follow-up, escalations...we were genuinely impressed.
Ayvens, a fresh identity in mobility
The figures speak for themselves. With more than 590 dedicated employees and more than 161,000 lease cars in Belgium, Ayvens is one of the largest Belgian providers of leasing, mobility advice and used cars (at the end of their lease contract).
LeasePlan first took to Belgian roads in 1972. More than fifty years later, its expertise merged with the innovation of ALD Automotive when ALD completed the official takeover in 2023.
Through this process, both legendary brands evolved together into one new brand: Ayvens.
