General Mills’ Henry Paetzel Named AF’s 2004 Fleet Manager of the Year

Thirty-six year fleet veteran Henry Paetzel was honored as the Automotive Fleet 2004 Fleet Manager of the Year Award at a special awards brunch April 18 in Atlanta. Patezel was awarded a personal trophy, and his name will be inscribed on a perpetual trophy with those of the 19 other Managers of the Year. In addition, a $3,000 scholarship, jointly funded by Automotive Fleet, Wheels Inc., and the Automotive Fleet and Leasing Association, will be given to the university business school of Paetzel’s choice Manager of auto fleet services for General Mills, Inc., Paetzel supervises a staff of 13 and is responsible for a 1,600-vehicle fleet. His award nomination singled out his “thorough approach” with which “solid decision are made quickly based on Paetzel’s clear understanding of his organizations needs and those of his drivers.” Paetzel was chosen from an initial field of 19 nominees, later narrowed to four finalists who included Brenda Davis, fleet manager for Baker Hughes; Scott Mayo, Wendy’s Inc. fleet director; and Jim McCarthy, director of vehicle management services for Siemens Shared Services. Created in 1985, the Fleet Manager of the Year Award recognizes and honors an experienced and proficient fleet manager who has demonstrated special business acumen in developing and executing key management policies. Eligible nominees must be full-time fleet managers, control a company-owned or leased fleet of more than 100 trucks and cars combined, and be recognized nationally among their peers for their unique abilities and accomplishments. A 26-member judging panel, representing all areas of fleet, determines the winner.