Visionary leadership, a data-driven transformation, and unwavering commitment to safety has resulted in Essential Energy’s Fleet Manager, Michael Mills, being named 2025 Fleet Manager of the Year at the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA) annual awards.

The award was presented to Michael at the AfMA’s Industry Awards Dinner during the Australasian Fleet Education and Leadership Summit on Tuesday, 20 May 2025 at Rosehill Gardens, Sydney.

Michael led Essential Energy’s utility fleet - one of Australia's largest - through an ambitious operational transformation, via the implementation of the Fleet Improvement Program V2.0 (FLIPv2).

FLIPv2 delivered holistic and lasting results, including a 78% reduction in asset health incidents, a 12% decrease in operational costs, a 51% drop in accident claims, a significant reduction in annual CO₂ emissions, and the launch of an app integrated with the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and In Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS).

“One of our key principles was that fleet solutions and services must be fit-for-purpose. That meant deeply involving the end users - the people who actually drive, service and rely on these vehicles every day,” Michael said.

Michael Mills (centre) with Corrie Nicholson (left), Senior Fleet Manager - ANZ, BP, and Mike Branch (right), Vice President Data and Analytics at Geotab.

Additionally, FLIPv2 focused on future-proofing the team through training and upskilling, as well as leveraging Essential Energy’s apprentice and graduate programs.

Speaking about Michael’s selection as Fleet Manager of the Year, one judge remarked, “It wasn’t just the numbers - it was the holistic thinking, the methodical execution, and the willingness to share that made him the clear winner.”

Essential Energy is now looking to the future and exploring ways that AI and connected data can further optimise performance, while supporting the update of electric vehicles across regional, remote and rural NSW.

“This award isn’t just for me,” Michael said at the ceremony. “It represents the collective effort of a team who are passionate, skilled and dedicated to doing things better every day and have a clear understanding of the why we are here, what we do and how we do it. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Congratulations, Michael on this well-deserved recognition.