CHARLOTTE, N.C. -
The NAFA Fleet Management Association announced last week that Don Esmond, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota, is the first speaker to be confirmed for its annual Institute & Expo.
 
The I&E, which takes place April 9-12 in Charlotte, N.C., will bring more than 2,000 fleet industry professionals together for four days of education, trade show experience and networking, according to the association.
 
Edmond’s began his automotive career in 1970 at Ford where he spent 12 years holding various field positions, including national account executive, assistant and general field manager for the Seattle Lincoln-Mercury District sales office, in addition to merchandising manager and zone manager at the Los Angeles sales office. He then moved on to Toyota where he first served as corporate fleet and truck manager and then national fleet manager.
 
His path through the ranks at Toyota continued in 1989 when Esmond became vice president of field sales for Lexus. He later served as vice president of the large car sales team where he launched the new Camry. He also held the position of group vice president of the Toyota sales division, and most recently was senior vice president and general manager of the Toyota division.
 
Before his auto career began, Esmond spent five years in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving as captain, naval aviator and helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, 45 Air Medals and a Purple Heart. In 1999, Esmond received the prestigious Semper Fidelis Award from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.
 
"I remember Don from his early days in NAFA," said NAFA’s executive director Phillip Russo, CAE. "His military experience and years within the industry have given him a unique perspective that I’m sure will be valuable for everyone to learn from. NAFA is proud to have him speak before our members."
 
Edmond’s keynote address will take place April 11. It will be one of two presented by automotive executives during the conference.
 
For more information, visit www.nafainstitute.org.