New U.S. DHL Global Forwarding CEO
DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of DHL Group, has appointed Robert Reiter as its new CEO in the U.S.
"We are thrilled to welcome Robert Reiter to our team," said Tim Robertson, DHL Global Forwarding Americas CEO. "He brings to DHL a successful track record of applying new technologies, services, and ideas to improve the logistics chains of customers in the most efficient and sustainable way. His extensive knowledge and expertise within our industry make him an excellent choice for this important leadership position."
As CEO, Reiter will oversee all aspects of DHL's operations within the U.S. market, including developing and executing strategies to drive growth and improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction while maintaining high standards for safety and compliance.
"I am honored by this opportunity to lead such a well-respected company in one of its largest markets," said Robert Reiter. "I look forward to working closely with my colleagues across the U.S. and our international network as we continue driving growth and innovation throughout our business and put our customers' success at the center of everything we do."
Frank A. Lonegro to succeed James B. Gattoni as Landstar CEO
Landstar System Inc.'s board of directors named Frank A. Lonegro as president and CEO, effective February 2, 2024. James B. Gattoni, who currently serves as president and CEO, will be transitioning to the role of special advisor to the CEO before his anticipated retirement in July 2024.
"I am honored to follow in Jim's footsteps and to further build on the company's tremendous legacy of success," said Lonegro. "It is my privilege to guide Landstar into the future as we write the next chapters in Landstar's impressive story."
Lonegro is joining Landstar from Beacon Building Products, where he currently serves as executive vice president and CFO. Before working at Beacon, Lonegro worked for almost 20 years at CSX Corporation, a Fortune 250 rail transportation company in Jacksonville, Florida. During his tenure at CSX, Lonegro served in several capacities, including executive vice president and CFO from 2015 to 2019, as well as key technology and operational roles earlier in his tenure, including president of CSX technology, vice president of service design, and vice president of mechanical.
"Frank's broad financial, operational, and technology leadership at large, publicly traded organizations make for an outstanding fit at Landstar," said Diana Murphy, board chairman. "The board is delighted to welcome Frank and his impressive record of achievement to Landstar. On behalf of the independent members of the board, I also want to express tremendous appreciation to Jim for his leadership of Landstar and partnership with all of us."
Grote Industries announces new leadership in Mexico and Canada
Grote Industries recently announced two additions to Grote’s leadership teams in Mexico and Canada.
At Grote de Mexico, Juan Ramon Garcia has moved to the role of director of operations. With over 28 years of experience in operations, the last 14 of which were involved in successful lean transformations, Juan’s expertise and knowledge will help lead Grote de Mexico to continued success.
At Grote Electronics, Jeff Howes has joined the team as director of operations. Jeff brings 23 years of experience and knowledge in Kaizen—an approach that helps improve operations through small, ongoing positive changes—and lean implementation to his new position. He has held various leadership roles in process engineering, product development, manufacturing engineering, tool room, continuous improvement, quality, and operations.
John Grote, COO of Grote Industries, emphasizes that adding this new talent will help accelerate the company’s lean journey. “As leaders in lean manufacturing implementation and continuous quality improvement, both Juan and Jeff bring the focus and energy necessary to ensure that Grote Industries continues to grow well into the future,” said Grote.
SMC3 adds industry veteran Mike Kelley to drive sustainability
SMC3 recently announced hiring 30-year transportation veteran Mike Kelley as vice president of sustainability and membership. Identifying sustainability as one of the most transformative issues of the next decade, SMC3 is leaning into the future by prioritizing the collaboration of sustainability-led exchanges to drive value across the transportation industry.
“SMC3 members have made it clear that environmental, social and governance, and sustainability initiatives are a priority for them. We have answered that call by hiring Mike Kelley,” said Andrew Slusher, president and chief executive officer of SMC3. “SMC3 is proud of its reputation for bringing together supply chain leaders to help solve the industry’s largest problems, and Mike’s concentration on sustainability will further ensure we can do all we can to help the transportation industry thrive. ”
Kelley most recently served as vice president of external affairs and chief sustainability officer for Yellow Corporation. He led the organization’s 20-year award-winning partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay emissions reduction initiative. He also spent three decades at Yellow building relationships with public officials and industry leaders throughout the U.S.
“I’m truly energized to establish SMC3 as a leading logistics technology organization driving sustainability forward in the trucking industry,” said Kelley. “We plan to utilize SMC3 ‘s broad representation in the supply chain with its LTL carrier, 3PL and shipper members to facilitate important dialogue on the sustainability challenges and opportunities ahead for the logistics industry.
