A Day in the Life of Zakia Ishaq, Head of Account Management

In this new addition to the Nexus’ ‘Day in the Life’ series, we meet Zakia Ishaq, our Head of Account Management, whose passion for people, performance, and continuous improvement has shaped an 18-year career in the automotive and fleet sectors. Since joining Nexus, she has become a driving force behind our client partnerships and commercial strategy, bringing energy, expertise, and a genuine commitment to living our Never Stop values every day.

How did you get started in the industry?

Honestly? By accident! But once I got in, I loved the pace, the people, and the challenge. It’s been a rollercoaster ever since. I began my career in the automotive industry almost 18 years ago, initially working in corporate sales and account management. My passion for building strong client relationships and delivering commercial success naturally led me into senior leadership positions, where I’ve consistently driven growth and profitability.

What attracted you to Nexus?

I was drawn to Nexus because of its stellar reputation and culture, but more importantly, because its values genuinely resonated with me. The Never Stop ethos — never stop evolving, anticipating, committing, and collaborating — perfectly reflects how I approach my work.

I thrive in environments that embrace curiosity, innovation, and partnership, and Nexus embodies all of that. Joining a business that combines cutting-edge technology with a people-first mindset felt like the ideal fit.

What was your background before joining?

Before joining Nexus, I built my career across the automotive and fleet sectors in a range of senior leadership roles. Over the years, I’ve led large sales and account management teams, shaped commercial strategies, and delivered complex projects balancing operational detail with big-picture thinking.

My experience includes managing national portfolios, negotiating multi-million-pound contracts, and collaborating with executive leadership teams to deliver sustainable growth. Every role taught me something new, from how to navigate challenging markets, build high-performing teams, and develop strategies that deliver both profitability and customer satisfaction.

Most importantly, these experiences shaped my leadership style: a commitment to commercial performance, delivered through people development. I believe success comes from empowering teams, fostering collaboration, and staying agile in a fast-moving industry.

What does a typical day look like for you at the moment?

No two days are ever the same, and that’s what I love. I lead a fantastic team of Account Managers and oversee all our key customer relationships, of which there are around 200. My role blends strategy, client engagement, and team leadership.

A typical day might start with reviewing performance metrics and planning growth initiatives, followed by client calls or meetings to strengthen relationships, project work, and exploring new opportunities. I also dedicate time to coaching my team, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to succeed.

It’s fast-paced, rewarding, and never boring. One minute I’m deep in a strategic discussion; the next I’m debating the optimal number of biscuits you should have with a cup of tea (apparently, it’s three). That balance of serious and light-hearted moments is what makes the role so enjoyable.

Have you learned anything new since starting at Nexus?

Absolutely. Nexus has broadened my understanding of technology-driven solutions within the fleet industry. I’ve learned how data and digital platforms can transform client experiences and operational efficiency, something that’s been both exciting and rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about working for Nexus, and what do you see for Nexus’ future?

For me, it’s all about the people and the culture. I work with real superheroes, trailblazers, individuals who live the Never Stop values every day. They’re passionate, innovative, and committed to delivering for our customers. That energy makes Nexus a truly special place to work.

Looking ahead, I see Nexus continuing to lead the way in mobility solutions, embracing sustainability and technology-led innovation while keeping collaboration at its heart. AI will play a huge role in shaping that future, from smarter algorithms in Iris® to predictive analytics that anticipate customer needs. With our commitment to innovation and partnership, the next chapter for Nexus is full of exciting possibilities. If the last two years are anything to go by, the future looks even more exciting.

What changes do you expect within the industry over the next 12–18 months?

The industry is evolving rapidly, with an increasing focus on sustainability, electrification, and digital transformation. I expect to see more businesses adopting EV fleets, leveraging telematics, and prioritising flexible mobility solutions to meet changing customer needs. If it plugs in, it’s coming — and technology will be the backbone of that transformation.

What is your biggest career achievement or standout moment to date?

It’s difficult to choose just one, as every milestone has meant something different to me. But if I had to pick, I’d highlight taking one of our customers from loss-making business to profitability within a year was a huge challenge, and a huge team effort. That experience reinforced the power of collaboration, vision, and resilience. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day at Nexus.

Aside from Nexus and the fleet industry, what else interests you?

Outside of work, I love baking, keeping active, and spending time with family and friends. I’m also passionate about giving back, whether that’s volunteering in local communities or supporting international charities during times of crisis. One of my most meaningful experiences was raising funds and travelling to Pakistan to support those affected by the devastating floods in the Swat Valley. Being able to make even a small difference is something I truly value.