Brendan Keegan will assume the role of chief executive for Merchants Fleet Management, after serving in an interim capacity since late September, after Glen Villano stepped down.

Since that time, Merchants conducted a nationwide search to fill the role. Keegan was named to the post in late August.

"After many conversations, we continued to identify the best candidate as Brendan," said Gary Singer, chairman of the board for the Hooksett, New Hampshire-based company.

Prior to taking the top job, Keegan had been serving as an advisor to the company's board of directors and providing strategic guidance about the long-term growth strategy for Merchants.

Keegan's most recent role was with velocityHUB, a business consulting firm based in Nashua, N.H., where he was a founder and managing partner. He served as CEO of a Merchants customer about a decade ago.

Villano served as CEO with Merchants since February of 2012.