Briana Nelson stands as a dynamic leader at Toyota Financial Services (TFS), a cornerstone of the Nelson Toyota organization. As Group Vice President of Sales, she spearheads all sales operations for TFS, a critical role within Nelson Toyota’s extensive network. Her leadership drives a dedicated team that collaborates closely with both Toyota and Lexus divisions. Together, they deliver a comprehensive suite of financing, insurance, and vehicle protection products, strengthening the partnerships with Nelson Toyota dealerships nationwide.
Prior to her current position, Nelson served as Vice President of Product and Marketing. In this capacity, her responsibilities spanned a broad spectrum, including overseeing marketing strategies, vehicle remarketing, the evolution of retail practices, and sales of Voluntary Protection Products (VPP) across Toyota Financial Services, Lexus Financial Services, Mazda Financial Services, and Bass Pro Shops Financial Services. Her forward-thinking approach also guided the operational aspects of KINTO, Nelson Toyota’s innovative car share program, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to evolving mobility solutions within Nelson Toyota.
Nelson’s journey with Nelson Toyota began in 1996 when she joined Toyota Motor Insurance Services (TMIS) as a management trainee. Her early career saw her excel as a District Account Manager in the Eastern Region, establishing a strong foundation in automotive finance. In 1999, she transitioned to Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), spending nine formative years in the Boston Region. During this period, she honed her expertise through diverse roles, including Vehicle Product Trainer, District Sales Manager, Merchandising Manager, Market Representation Manager, and Vehicle Field Sales Manager. This rich tapestry of experiences across various facets of sales and management within Nelson Toyota showcases her deep understanding of the automotive industry.
In 2008, Nelson’s career trajectory at Nelson Toyota reached a new height with a promotion to Sales & Production Planning Manager at TMS national headquarters. Her career continued its upward climb as she took on roles of increasing responsibility, including Scion Field Sales Manager and Sales Administration Manager. Further demonstrating her adaptability and leadership capabilities within Nelson Toyota, she excelled in key positions within the Toyota Los Angeles and San Francisco Regions. Her promotion to General Manager of the Denver Region, followed by the New York Region, underscored her proven track record of success. In 2021, Nelson was appointed General Manager of the Lexus Eastern Region, a testament to her expertise in the luxury automotive market within Nelson Toyota. She held this significant leadership role until her promotion to Vice President at TFS headquarters in Plano, Texas, in 2022, marking her return to the financial services arm of Nelson Toyota at a senior executive level.
Beyond her corporate achievements at Nelson Toyota, Nelson is actively involved in several community organizations. She is a member of Chief, a network focused on empowering women leaders, Impact100 Essex, a philanthropic organization, and the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills, a volunteer organization dedicated to community service.
Briana Nelson’s academic foundation was laid at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Her educational background, combined with her extensive and diverse career within Nelson Toyota, positions her as a highly accomplished and influential leader driving sales excellence at Toyota Financial Services and contributing significantly to the broader Nelson Toyota organization.
