Transportation Transitions: Daimler and Ryder update leadership as NMFTA’s Lily Eghtessad receives award
Key takeaways
- DTNA names Michelle Randazzo CFO to oversee finance and operations across its key North American brands.
- NMFTA’s Lily Eghtessad receives 2025 Planner of the Year award for leadership and industry contributions.
- Ryder positions John J. Diez as CEO as part of a planned succession to guide logistics and fleet operations.
Daimler Truck North America names new CFO to oversee Freightliner and Western Star brands
Daimler Truck North America recently named Michelle Randazzo chief financial officer (CFO), effective January 1. She succeeds Stefan Kurschner, who plans to retire after more than 30 years with Daimler. Randazzo will oversee all operational and strategic controlling and accounting functions for DTNA’s brands, including Freightliner, Western Star, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, Detroit Reman, and Daimler Vehículos Comerciales México.
“Michelle demonstrates exceptional energy, determination, and a strong capability to drive meaningful transformation,” Eva Scherer, CFO of Daimler Truck AG, said. “Her established leadership and comprehensive knowledge of our industry give me full confidence that she will deliver significant impact in her new role and help advance our North American business.”
Randazzo joined Daimler Truck in 2002 and has held leadership roles in financial planning, reporting, pricing, product costing, and purchasing. Kurschner will remain with DTNA through January to ensure a smooth transition. Learn more…
NMFTA’s Lily Eghtessad receives 2025 Planner of the Year award from MPI Potomac Chapter
Lily Eghtessad, events and membership specialist at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), has been named the 2025 Planner of the Year by the MPI Potomac Chapter. She received the award at the chapter’s Evening of the Stars Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony held at The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.
“Seeing Lily recognized as Planner of the Year is incredibly gratifying and a true reflection of the impact she makes on our team and the broader community,” Keith Peterson, VP of operations for NMFTA, said.
The Planner of the Year Award recognizes members who demonstrate leadership, inspiration, and commitment to motivating others in the planner community. Eghtessad’s win highlights her dedication to excellence in meetings and events and her continued volunteer leadership with the MPI Potomac Chapter. Learn more…
Ryder plans CEO transition as John J. Diez succeeds Robert E. Sanchez in 2026
Ryder System will have a planned CEO succession on March 31, when Robert E. Sanchez retires and assumes the role of executive chair of the board. John J. Diez, currently president and chief operating officer, will succeed Sanchez as chief executive officer and join the company’s board of directors.
“It is a great honor to be a part of this exceptional organization and culture. Ryder is home to incredibly talented and determined people and a superb culture that are the foundation of its commitment to our customers,” Diez said. “Thanks to Robert’s strong leadership, we have enormous opportunities to continue growing as the complexity of supply chains intensifies, and the demand for our port-to-door services increases. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Robert, the board, and our entire team to leverage the power of Ryder.”
Diez has served in multiple leadership roles at Ryder, including president of the fleet management and dedicated transportation business units, contributing to revenue growth and improved business returns. Learn more…
