With nearly three decades in fleet operations, Karine Baghdasaryan brings unmatched experience and composure to her role as Manager of In Life Services & Purchasing AM – Operations at Interleasing. She leads a team of nine who help ensure vehicles across Australia remain compliant, fuelled and ready for the road. Known for her calm and methodical approach, Karine is a go-to expert for resolving complex operational challenges.
What does your role entail and what excites you about it?
My team manages the ordering and delivery of vehicles to our customers, as well as the operational side of fleet management once vehicles are delivered to drivers. This includes registration renewals, fuel cards, toll tags, infringement management and rental vehicles when required.
Every Australian state has its own systems and processes which keeps the job interesting. I enjoy navigating that complexity to ensure our clients’ fleets keep moving without disruption. After 30 years in the industry, I still find great satisfaction in solving challenges and achieving positive outcomes for our customers.
What are some of the challenges that you help solve for clients?
We handle the details that keep fleets compliant and operational, such as resolving infringements or ensuring registrations are processed correctly across different jurisdictions. It’s about taking ownership, managing risk and giving our clients confidence that everything is taken care of.
What makes Interleasing different?
Interleasing has a genuinely customer-first culture. We’re agile, responsive and willing to go the extra mile to support our clients. Sometimes that means helping with issues that fall outside our direct scope simply because we know how important fleet continuity is. That focus on service and accountability is what sets us apart.
What skills are essential in your area?
Attention to detail and accuracy are critical. There’s no room for error when it comes to fleet compliance. You also need to be calm, methodical and solution focused. Fleet management can be complex so maintaining composure and a problem-solving mindset is key.
What Interleasing value resonates most with you?
Teamwork - which is internally known as ‘Better Together’. It’s at the heart of everything we do. We support one another, collaborate across departments and always put the customer first. That’s how we deliver consistently strong results.
What’s your proudest achievement while at Interleasing?
Maintaining flawless operational accuracy for many years is something I’m very proud of. It’s a reflection of my team’s diligence, accountability and shared commitment to excellence.
What was your first job?
My first job was as an Accounts Payable Clerk for a privately owned company called Mr Carpet, which supplied and installed carpets for major hotels and commercial projects. My main task was processing payments to the company’s team of carpet layers.
What inspires you?
Seeing the impact of our work when clients tell us that our support has made their day easier or prevented an issue from escalating is what keeps me motivated. Helping others succeed is the most rewarding part of my role.
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