Related: 2025 Fleet Forward Conference Announces Opening Keynote
Ted Cannis to Deliver Closing Keynote at Fleet Forward Conference
Former Ford Pro CEO to discuss fleet and mobility’s new power dynamics.

Cannis brings 35-year career at Ford to the discussion, which straddled operations, product, investors and strategy, from Wall Street and Detroit to Silicon Valley.
Image: Automotive Fleet
Automotive Fleet is excited to announce that Ted Cannis, the former CEO of Ford Pro, will deliver the closing keynote address at the 2025 Fleet Forward Conference.
In a fireside chat moderated by Automotive Fleet Executive Editor Chris Brown, Cannis will unpack the new “power dynamic” in fleet and mobility — driven by shifting policy, rapid tech evolution, and global economic disruption.
Cannis led Ford Pro’s rise into a $67 billion commercial juggernaut, launching major initiatives like the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, E-Transit, and the largest integrated charging network in North America.
Cannis Will Dig Into Tech Trends Affecting Fleets
At Fleet Forward, Cannis will tackle some of the industry’s most urgent challenges and opportunities, including:
The rising tension between energy demand and charging infrastructure
The impact of tariffs and regulatory reshuffling
The trajectory of autonomous tech
The future of incumbent and startup automakers
The disruptive global force of Chinese OEMs
“Ted’s 35-year Ford career straddles operations, product, investors and strategy, from Wall Street and Detroit to Silicon Valley. He hits our stage with a unique global perspective just as fleets confront grid delays, policy evolution, tariffs, and Chinese disruption,” said Chris Brown, conference chair.
“His deep industry experience and candid take on the forces reshaping fleet and mobility will be instructive and refreshing for FFC attendees.”
“The automotive and fleet sectors are facing rapid shifts driven by AI, digital transformation, and new mobility demands,” said Cannis. “Fleets must understand what’s ahead — technologically, financially, and operationally — to avoid being caught unprepared. This is the conversation you need to join.”
FFC Closing Keynote Details
The keynote, titled “The New Power Dynamic in Fleet and Mobility,” will take place on Thursday, October 23, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. The session will conclude with a live Q&A, offering attendees a rare chance to engage directly with Cannis.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Fleet Forward Conference, convening October 21–23 at the Sheraton San Diego Resort. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the industry’s sharpest minds as he helps chart the next evolution of fleet.
More Fleet Forward

Is Your Grey Fleet Creating an Unmanaged Safety Risk?
NCR Atleos Fleet Manager Jose Rocha will join Cardata and SambaSafety experts at Fleet Forward Conference to examine how fleets can extend safety oversight to every employee who drives for business.
Read More →
Agentic AI Session at FFC Will Help Fleets Turn Data Into TCO Action
Mike Albert Fleet Solutions and Motorq will show how agentic AI can uncover maintenance, fuel, and utilization savings buried across disconnected fleet data.
Read More →
Voting Opens for 2026 Fleet Hall of Fame
See the nominations for the 2026 Hall of Fame and select your choice for this year's class!
Read More →
7 Fleet Professionals Named Finalists for the 2026 Fleet Visionary Award
Meet the 2026 nominees for the Fleet Visionary Award.
Read More →
9 Fleet Leaders Nominated for the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Award
Meet the nine finalists for the 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year Award.
Read More →
Fleet Forward Conference to Debut First Registration-Based Analysis of Largest Commercial Fleets
The session will deliver an exclusive first look at registration data covering more than 1.5 million commercial vehicles, offering one of the industry's most detailed views of the private fleet market.
Read More →
Registration Opens for 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
Held on the East Coast for the first time, the Washington, D.C.-area event features expert-led education, a new IIHS Crash Test Experience, and collocation with the NAFA’s Fleet Safety Symposium.
Read More →
Earley, Mossing Named to NAFA's 2026 Class of Fellows
The honor recognizes five outstanding professionals whose leadership, service and contributions have made a significant impact on NAFA and the fleet management profession.
Read More →
Fleet Forward Conference Adds IIHS Crash Test Experience for 2026 Attendees
Attendees will witness a live crash test, tour the IIHS Vehicle Research Center, and experience advanced crash-avoidance technologies firsthand.
Read More →
