Don Lepard
About Don Lepard
Don Lepard serves as the Director of Operations at Kodiak Robotics, where he has worked since 2021. He has a diverse background in operations management, particularly within the autonomous vehicle industry, and previously held significant roles at Uber and drive.ai.
Current Role at Kodiak Robotics
Don Lepard serves as the Director of Operations at Kodiak Robotics, a position he has held since 2021. He is based in Lancaster, Texas, where he oversees operational strategies and team dynamics within the company. In addition to his role as Director of Operations, he has also been the Site Operations Manager since 2019, contributing to the company's operational efficiency and effectiveness in the autonomous vehicle sector.
Previous Experience at Uber
Prior to his current position, Don Lepard worked at Uber in various roles. He served as the Head of Fleet Operations and Remarketing for 11 months in 2017 to 2018. He also held the position of City Manager for the Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) in 2018 for four months and was a Manager on the Dealer Accounts Team from 2016 to 2017. His time at Uber provided him with extensive experience in operations management and strategic planning.
Background in Autonomous Vehicle Industry
Don Lepard has significant experience in the autonomous vehicle industry, having worked at drive.ai as the Manager and Site Lead for eight months in 2018 to 2019. His roles in this sector have equipped him with the skills necessary to enhance operational strategies and manage teams effectively in high-pressure environments.
Sales and Management Experience
Before entering the tech and autonomous vehicle sectors, Don Lepard gained valuable experience in sales and account management. He worked as a Sales Manager and Inventory Manager at Pat Lobb Toyota of McKinney from 2006 to 2011 and as the New Vehicle Sales Director at Toyota of Irving for four months in 2015 to 2016. These roles contributed to his operational management skills and understanding of customer relations.
Education and Military Background
Don Lepard studied at the United States Navy from 1994 to 1998. His military background has likely contributed to his leadership abilities and skills in building and motivating teams. This foundation has been instrumental in his subsequent roles in operations management and team dynamics.