Nick Thompson is responsible for overseeing vehicle distribution activities at Stellantis within North America, including regional logistics across mode, along with vehicle imports and exports. He took on the role with then FCA in 2017 and has played a key role in developing the carmaker’s vehicle logistics strategy. Thompson joined the carmaker in 2012 and has held various roles within finished vehicle logistics. Initially, he oversaw operations for vehicle distribution centres as well as multiple assembly plants in the region. He also completed a rotation in truckload procurement and network optimisation, as well as working in Supplier Delivery Risk Management operations prior to leading vehicle logistics. Thompson began his career working for JB Hunt Transport in its dedicated contract services division. He holds a master’s degree from Ferris State University (2011) and a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from Michigan State University (2005).

Darren Acker has been with GLOVIS for 12 years and is responsible for developing and executing strategic logistics operations to meet GLOVIS’ annual wholesale and revenue objectives. Prior to his current role, he led the Port/VPC Operations and Vehicle logistics departments. Darren is a career logistician with 30+ years of experience in Logistics and supply chain operations management. He is skilled in finished vehicles logistics, parts logistics, warehouse management, supply chain optimization and Just-In-Time logistics operations. Prior to joining GLOVIS, he was the west coast regional parts Logistics Manager for VASCOR Ltd. There, he oversaw west coast parts logistics operations in support of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (TMMTX) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Baja California. He also served as the operations manager of Toyota’s Cross Dock operation in Los Angeles supporting Toyota facilities in Long Beach and Fremont Ca. as well as Takaoka Japan. Darren holds a Master of Art degree in Organizational Leadership from University Massachusetts Global, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix and a Global Logistics Specialist Professional Designation from Cal State University, Long Beach. He also served as a United States Marine for 21 years and retired honorably in 2005.

Toks Omishakin was appointed the Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) by Governor Gavin Newsom in February 2022. He has oversight of 8 State Departments, Boards and Commissions with more than 42,000 people and budgets that exceed $25 billion annually. Omishakin’s transportation vision for California features a safe, equitable, sustainable, and multimodal transportation system that builds on strong local partnerships. He also encourages a culture of innovation and intelligent risk-taking as transformative innovation. All Agency work is centered around Core Four priorities of Safety, Equity, Climate Action and Economic Prosperity. He previously served as Director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and before then, spent eight years with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

Victor Arabe has been in the automotive logistics industry for 25 years in port operations management roles for Volkswagen, Mazda, Glovis, Vinfast and Hyundai Motor. His expertise is mainly in operations, quality management and process improvement, and has also held business development roles in areas including port development and asset-based trucking acquisition. After playing a key role in Vinfast’s vehicle logistics operations in North America, he joined Hyundai Motor America in February 2023, responsible for group quality and pre-delivery inspection activities and recall management at all US ports for Hyundai, Genesis and Hyundai’s plant in Alabama.