FAN: Mace, what was your background in fleet management before becoming the Executive Director of AfMA?
Mace: I worked as an Accountant/CFO within the retail motor industry for 16 years. This is where I first got involved with fleet as the CFO of Summit Investments Australia (Sumitomo) which owned Summit Fleet Leasing. I then moved into the insurance industry where I became the National Sales Manager for Fleet with Swann Insurance. After that I started an insurance distribution business being Tailored Automotive Insurance which I sold to Smartgroup Corporation and took on the role of General Manager for Smartfleet who had 42,000 cars under fleet management.
FAN: What changes have you made since taking on the role in July 2015?
Mace: We replaced the old website with a new version inclusive of CRM and Event Management systems and other changes have been subtle. We’ve modernised the slide deck used during our Professional Development Fleet Forums, introduced the concept of CPD hours to recognise fleet managers effort to continue to grow their knowledge, and we are currently finalising the delivery of the Fleet Management Guide.
FAN: Who are the key players in the AfMA office and what are their roles?
Mace: The key players in the AfMA office are Monalisa Marin (General Manager), Krista Barker (Events Coordinator) and we have two recent arrivals being Scott Murray (Copywriter/Journalist) and Jack Hartley (casual Membership Coordinator).
FAN: So what can members expect from AfMA in 2016?
Mace: It’s already been a busy year and it’s just begun. We just launched the Conference and Exhibition website to allow delegates to book online, the Fleet Management Guide has been built as a website allowing public to access the top level whilst only members can access the full policies and download. We are also releasing a new format for our primary website and finally dedicating some resource for the New Zealand website.
FAN: There are some changes planned for the 2016 conference. What will be the highlight?
Mace: There are a number changes, the first relates Manheim facilitating a vehicle assessment workshop using ipads and a specimen vehicle, the second relates to RACV conducting driver assessment training in two parts which includes an interactive class environment combined with in car training and assessment. With several vehicles being supplied by Hyundai.
Perhaps the highlight of the conference will be the Conference Networking Dinner at the end of day one which is possible due to the generosity of our platinum sponsors Hyundai and Toyota.
Some corporate members have raised concerns with Fleet Auto News about the value they get for their investment. What initiatives are you planning to give them a better return on their sponsorship dollar?
AfMA continues to work closely with our corporate partners to develop mutually beneficial relationships and many have renewed long term agreements during my tenure.
FAN: Working with governments and lobbying for the industry has been a key role for AfMA historically. What issues are on the agenda in 2016 and beyond?
Mace: There are two issues in progress at present. One relates to the Turnbull government’s decision to review its approach to vehicle emissions with a whole of government approach which led to the formation of a ministerial forum with the first stakeholder engagement session being held in December last year.
The second issue relates to the government of South Australia announcing its intention to open the way for the provision of compulsory third party insurance by the private sector as is already the case in NSW, ACT and QLD.
AfMA is participating in both issues and will continue to lobby government for the benefit of the fleet industry.
