The fleet and automotive industry continues to evolve, and with it comes new opportunities for talented professionals to take on fresh challenges and responsibilities. Each career move reflects the industry’s ongoing transformation—driven by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to progress. This month, we highlight recent appointments and role changes across the sector, recognising the individuals contributing their expertise to shape the next chapter of fleet and automotive leadership.
Jodi Ujimoto has started a new position as Operations Manager at NT Fleet.
Michael Elias has joined Ford Australia as General Manager – Fleet.
Scott Brandis has joined Volkswagen as Corporate Business Manager QLD and WA.
Marnie Walsh has a new position at Emeco Group as National Fleet Manager.
Chris Bolden has joined Toro Australia as Business Manager – Sales.
Christopher Wood has joined Merri-bek City Council as Fleet Replacement Program Officer.
Jason Natherson has joined Volkswagen as Corporate Business Manager NSW and SA.
Fary Doust has a new position as Technical Project Manager – Technology and Innovation at Blacktown City Council.
Daniel Davey started a new position at Wagga Wagga City Council as Manager Plant, Fleet & Building.
Michael Friend is now Regional Manager NSW/ACT at Toyota Fleet Management.
Micah Strachan has joined Tesla as Business Development Manager – Enterprise Sales AU/NZ.
Lynette Silvey has joined GWM Australia and New Zealand as Senior Manager – National Fleet & Mobility.
Ambily Menon has joined Geotab as Product Manager APAC.
Benjamin Binns has been appointed as Engineering Manager at Isuzu Power Solutions.
James Stride has joined Ironman 4X4 as National Fleet & OEM Manager.
Michael Waterston has a new position was Executive General Manager at Inside Edge.
Kristen Perich has joined Liberty Signs as Business Development Manager.
Andrew Tulip has started a new position as Regional Fleet Manager Northern at MG Motor.
Myles Hartley has joined Mazda as National Aftersales Support Services Manager at Mazda.
Wei Qiao has joined go EV as Junior Electrical Engineer.
Norma Norha is now Fleet Sales Manager – LCV & Passenger Sales at Stellantis Australia and New Zealand.
- Toyota acknowledges service parts supply disruption
Toyota has acknowledged a temporary issue affecting the supply of some service parts following an upgrade of its core business systems, with the company working to restore normal operations. Speaking to Fleet News Group during Toyota’s latest sales market update, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas confirmed the disruption when asked - Rising Stars Put Workshop Talent in the SpotlightAustralia’s next generation of automotive technicians has been recognised in the 2026 Capricorn Rising Star Awards, with Repco renewing its support for the program as workshops face continuing pressure to develop skilled tradespeople. Jaeden Matteo D’Aloia has been named Overall Australian Rising Star, also taking out the Victoria/Tasmania regional award. Carter Boyle received the Overall
- Can Ford Reduce Fleet Downtime?Ford is taking a more active role in managing vehicle downtime for major fleet customers, with its Uptime Command Centre designed to identify vehicles that are off the road and help dealers get them back into service faster. The approach moves part of the downtime-management process beyond the individual dealership, giving Ford an OEM-level view
- From the Workshop to the World Stagemycar Tyre & Auto apprentice Edie Thurtell’s rise to Australia’s WorldSkills team highlights the importance of investing in the technicians who will keep the country’s fleets moving. The 21-year-old earned her place at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 after winning gold at the 2025 National Competition, representing New South Wales and mycar. She followed that achievement with
- One fleet, many applications: why tyre management can’t be one-size-fits-allFrom passenger cars and utes to buses, trucks and waste vehicles, fleet applications can vary dramatically. Bridgestone Australia says the starting point for effective tyre management is understanding what each vehicle is being asked to do. There is no such thing as a single fleet application – and Bridgestone Australia says there should not be
