Yogi Shivdasani, VP, North America supply chain, LKQ Corp., was named the 2020 Fleet Executive of the Year at the virtual 2020 Automotive Fleet & Leasing Association's (AFLA) NextGen Conference, which is being hosted virtually, Oct. 5 - 7, 2020.

A panel of industry judges evaluates submissions based on cost-saving initiatives, policy setting, and the creation of innovative programs.

Shivdasani was selected from a field of three other finalists that also included David Reyes, managing director of procurement, real estate, and fleet, Rollins, Inc.; Charlie Stevenson, CAFM, VP of fleet operations, Essential Utilities; and Keven Kelleher, VP of real estate and administration, Champion Home Exteriors.

He oversees a companywide fleet of more than 6,200 vehicles.

Shivdasani has a reputation of having a relentless focus on fleet efficiency and reducing TCO, which was demonstrated through several initiatives he implemented. This includes the standardization of the LKQ truck fleet, which helped reduce overall rental expenses and acquisition cost, and reduced average vehicle age by 20 months. Cumulatively this represented $2.4 million in annual savings for LKQ.

Another initiative he implanted was an average idle reduction program. Prior to this, LKQ fleet idling was averaging two hours per location, which he reduced to 15-20 minutes. This resulted in a savings of $7.5 million.

Also, during the pandemic, Shivdasani was quick to implement a touchless delivery confirmation for all locations, ensuring the protection of all employees and customers.

“I’d like to express my gratitude to the LKQ fleet team; my fleet management company, Donlen; Automotive Fleet, of course; and all those who recognized me and my company for this award,” Shivdasni said during his acceptance speech.

The award recognizes exceptional leadership by managers to whom the fleet function reports and/or have other responsibilities beyond fleet.