Employee Spotlight: Meet Our CEO – Gavin Thoday

What is your background and how did you come to found Fleetclear?

I founded ISS in 2003 following 14 years in the vehicle safety sector. Having spent years working with fleet operators on safety challenges, I saw a clear opportunity to develop and supply technology that could genuinely reduce the risk of serious accidents on our roads. ISS grew from a focus on vehicle safety hardware—products like our Cyclear cyclist detection system—into a broader fleet solutions business, which ultimately led to the rebrand as Fleetclear. The name change reflected our evolution: we’re not just a safety equipment company anymore, we’re a complete fleet management platform.

What does a typical day look like for you?

No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I genuinely enjoy about running the business. I might spend the morning in a strategy session with the leadership team, then be on a call with a customer or a local authority in the afternoon. A lot of my time is spent thinking about the direction of the product and how we continue to stay ahead of the curve. I also spend time with our engineering and development teams—innovation is at the core of what we do, and I like to stay close to that.

What are you most proud of in terms of Fleetclear’s journey?

It’s hard to pick just one thing. Building a team of people who are genuinely passionate about what they do is something I’m very proud of. But if I had to choose, it would be the real-world impact our technology has had. Knowing that Cyclear, for example, has helped prevent serious accidents involving cyclists and HGVs—that’s what this is all about. The evolution into Fleetclear Connect, our integrated platform, feels like a natural and exciting extension of that original purpose.

What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities in fleet management right now?

The pace of regulation is significant—things like the Direct Vision Standard in London, and the increasing pressure on operators to demonstrate compliance and safety standards. That’s a challenge for fleet managers, but it’s also a real opportunity for us, because Fleetclear is designed specifically to help operators navigate that complexity. The shift to electric vehicles is another major area. There are questions around infrastructure, total cost of ownership, and how fleet management systems need to adapt. We’re investing in making sure Fleetclear is ready for that transition.

What advice would you give to fleet managers who are looking to improve their operations?

Start with visibility. You can’t manage what you can’t see, and one of the biggest gains our customers report is simply being able to see what’s happening across their fleet in real time. From there, focus on the data that matters—not just collecting information, but turning it into meaningful insight that helps you make better decisions. And don’t underestimate the value of good relationships with your technology partners. The best outcomes come from working together closely, not just buying a product and hoping for the best.