Toyota Senior Vice President To Deliver Keynote Address At 2011 I&E

For the second straight year, NAFA will feature high-ranking automobile industry executives as Keynote Speakers for the annual Institute & Expo. Don Esmond, Senior Vice President of Automotive Operations for Toyota, is the first speaker to be confirmed for the annual conference, which takes place April 9-12 in Charlotte, N.C.

"I remember Don from his early days in NAFA," said NAFA's Executive Director, Phillip E. 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 extensive career in the automotive industry brings a unique perspective to the I&E. He began his automotive career in 1970 at Ford Motor Company 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, 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, the luxury division of the car manufacturer. He later served as Vice President of the Large Car Sales Team where he launched the new Camry. He held the position of Group Vice President of the Toyota Sales Division and most recently was Senior Vice President and General Manager, 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 (MCSF).

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