Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. (MFTA) has announced that Bill Lyons has rejoined the company. Lyons will serve as the company’s new Vice President, Sales Operations, replacing Mike Rumsey. Rumsey, a long-time MFTA executive, will be stepping away to pursue a management position at a truck dealership, though he will remain in place through the end of the year to assure a smooth transition.

“Mike Rumsey has served us well over the past 16 years. His knowledge, experience and dedication have been of tremendous benefit to our dealers and our customers. He will be missed. Fortunately, we have been able to facilitate the return of Bill Lyons to MFTA to take over the Sales Operations duties. Bill is a high-energy individual with great insight into all aspects of our business. He will be a real asset,” said Todd Bloom, MFTA’s president and CEO.

Lyons first joined MFTA in March 1986, handling dealer operations and marketing. During his 20-year career with MFTA, Lyons was promoted several times to positions of increasing responsibility. When he left MFTA in June 2008, he was the company’s director, select sales and vehicle distribution. For the past six years, Lyons has been with ARI, Inc. as its manager of fleet management client services.

“The knowledge and experience Bill gained at ARI,” said Bloom, “added to what he learned during his earlier time with MFTA, can only increase his value to our field sales staff, dealers and customers.”

"I’m looking forward to rejoining my colleagues at Mitsubishi Fuso,” Lyons said. “And I’m excited about our future. Mike Rumsey has put us in a strong position for success, and I appreciate his hard work, dedication and leadership. I intend to keep up that same tradition as we move into the future."

For his part, Rumsey noted that his departure would be bittersweet. “While I’m looking forward to my new opportunity in dealer management,” he said, “I will miss everyone at MFTA. This has been my home for more than sixteen years. I’ve made good friends and have gotten great support here, and I think MFTA is poised for real growth. I will enjoy watching them continue to succeed.”