When Dominika Leja, fleet manager at AstraZeneca, was announced as Automotive Fleet’s 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year, I couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient.
Having had the privilege of partnering with Dominika and her team through our work at Wheels, I’ve seen firsthand the qualities that have earned her this prestigious recognition. Fleet management is a profession that requires balancing competing priorities, navigating constant change, and delivering results while keeping drivers and stakeholders engaged. Dominika consistently excels in all these areas, which is why she has earned the respect of colleagues, suppliers, and industry peers throughout her more than two decades in fleet.
One of the things I admire most about Dominika is the breadth of experience she brings to every challenge. Her background spans fleet operations, procurement, supplier management, sourcing strategy, and business transformation, giving her a unique ability to see the bigger picture while remaining focused on execution. Whether discussing long-term strategy or addressing day-to-day operational considerations, she approaches every decision thoughtfully and with a clear understanding of its impact on drivers, the business, and the broader fleet ecosystem.
Throughout our partnership, I have witnessed her ability to lead through periods of significant industry transformation. As fleet leaders face changing mobility needs, evolving vehicle technologies, sustainability objectives, and increasing operational complexity, success requires more than technical expertise. It requires vision, adaptability, and the ability to bring people together around a shared goal. Dominika exemplifies those qualities.
Leadership style
What stands out even more than her strategic acumen is her collaborative, people-centered leadership style. At Wheels, we work with many accomplished fleet professionals, and the strongest leaders recognize that successful programs are built through partnership. Dominika consistently fosters open communication, values diverse perspectives, and creates an environment where innovation can thrive. She approaches challenges with curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas, while never losing sight of the people impacted by the decisions being made. Dominika understands that fleet management is ultimately about supporting drivers and enabling business success and has a remarkable ability to align stakeholders around common objectives, build trust across teams, and guide organizations through change in a way that keeps people engaged and moving forward together. These qualities have made her a highly respected leader among colleagues, partners, and peers throughout the industry.
Dominika’s influence also extends well beyond her own organization. Throughout her career, she has been an active contributor to the broader fleet community, sharing knowledge, building relationships, and helping advance conversations about the future of our industry. Whether collaborating with peers at industry conferences, participating in forums such as Wheels’ Results+ Summit, or mentoring others in the profession, she consistently demonstrates a willingness to share her expertise and help others succeed. She is the type of leader who elevates those around her and strengthens the profession through her willingness to collaborate and share insights.
Congratulations
On behalf of all of us at Wheels, congratulations to Dominika Leja on being named Automotive Fleet’s 2026 Fleet Manager of the Year. It has been a privilege to partner with her, and I am thrilled to see her leadership and contributions recognized by the industry she has helped shape.
