S4E7: Elevating Fleet Management with Emad Loka

Fleet teams are managing rapid technological change, increasingly complex vehicles and growing operational demands, all while competing for limited capital.In this episode, Emad Loka explains how fleet professionals can elevate their role, influence senior decision-makers and position fleet as a strategic value-delivery system.Emad Loka, Director Fleet at Fire and Rescue NSW, joins Infrastructure Matters host and IPWEA Chief Executive David Jenkins to explore:✅ Why fleet management is evolving into a strategic asset management discipline✅ How to communicate fleet risk and value to executives✅ Why reliable data is essential for long-term planning and resilience✅ How collaboration and professional networks improve fleet decisions✅ Where Australia sits internationally in fleet and asset management✅ How electric vehicles, automation and connected technology are changing fleet careers✅ Why future fleet leaders will need technical, commercial and communication skillsEmad oversees approximately 2,000 heavy and light vehicles supporting one of Australia’s most critical emergency services.Drawing on experience across engineering, infrastructure, transport, government and the private sector, he shares a practical perspective on why fleet can no longer be viewed simply as a collection of vehicles.Fleet supports employees, essential operations and community outcomes. To secure investment, fleet leaders must clearly explain the operational risk their assets manage, the value they deliver and the consequences of underinvestment.The conversation also looks at long-term planning during rapid technological change, including electric vehicles, alternative fuels, charging infrastructure, automation, robotics and the changing capability required across fleet workshops and leadership teams.About Emad LokaEmad Loka is Director Fleet at Fire and Rescue NSW, where he oversees approximately 2,000 heavy and light vehicles supporting frontline emergency-service operations.An engineer by profession, Emad has worked across road and transport networks, infrastructure, fleet management and both the public and private sectors. His work focuses on strategic fleet planning, asset management, operational resilience and delivering long-term value for organisations and communities.About Infrastructure MattersInfrastructure Matters is IPWEA’s podcast for public works engineers, asset management professionals and local government leaders across Australia and New Zealand.Each episode explores the engineering challenges, technological developments, sustainability breakthroughs and leadership strategies shaping infrastructure across Australasia.🔔 Follow Infrastructure Matters to stay ahead in public works, fleet management and infrastructure asset management.🔗 Connect with IPWEA🌐 Website: https://www.ipwea.org🎙️ Infrastructure Matters: https://www.ipwea.org/podcast💼 LinkedIn: https://www.ipwea.org/linkedin👥 Become an IPWEA member: https://www.ipwea.org/membership