Gene Arbaugh was hired by Peterson, Howell & Heather (now PHH Arval) in 1964 as manager of the Title and Tax Department. After serving in several management positions, he was named vice president of legal services in 1971 and appointed senior vice president, truck and equipment programs in 1974.
Arbaugh became senior vice president of the Car Division in 1976 and was promoted to executive vice president in 1978. Under Arbaugh’s leadership, Peterson, Howell & Heather continued its role as a fleet management industry innovator. While serving as senior vice president, he was responsible for expanding truck and equipment programs. As president of PHH, he managed the acquisition of Avis Leasing’s domestic fleet operation. In 1987, Arbaugh was named vice president of PHH Corp. corporate marketing.
Arbaugh was inducted into the AF Fleet Hall of Fame in 2008.