Chief Executive Officer
100% on-site in Michigan or Atlanta
Relocation package provided for non-local candidates
Our national Automotive Transportation client is looking for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead their organization in the next phase of growth and innovation. This role requires deep expertise in North American automotive transportation, particularly in finished vehicle logistics, carrier operations, freight brokerage, and asset management. The CEO will set the strategic direction, drive operational excellence, and ensure sustainable profitability across all areas of the business.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Set and execute the company’s vision, mission, and long-term goals aligned with automotive logistics and transportation trends.
- Lead corporate strategy with a focus on growth, operational efficiency, and market leadership in finished vehicle logistics.
- Expand the company’s footprint in North America through carrier partnerships, brokerage expansion, and technology-driven innovation.
Industry-Specific Operational Oversight
- Oversee the full lifecycle of finished vehicle logistics including OEM relationships, yard management, and road transportation.
- Lead asset-based operations including fleet utilization, maintenance programs, and capacity planning.
- Create and Grow then manage a high-performing brokerage division, optimizing carrier networks, pricing strategy, and service quality.
- Ensure compliance with DOT, FMCSA, and other relevant North American transportation regulations.
Financial and Asset Management
- Oversee financial planning, capital allocation, and P&L performance across all business units.
- Optimize ROI on rolling assets, facilities, and technology platforms.
- Manage leasing, procurement, and lifecycle of transportation assets to ensure maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Leadership & Culture
- Build and mentor a strong executive leadership team.
- Foster a culture of performance, safety, compliance, and innovation across all levels of the organization.
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership and throughout the workforce.
Client and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the face of the company with OEMs, carriers, logistics providers, investors, and regulatory bodies.
- Cultivate relationships with key partners in the finished vehicle supply chain, including auto manufacturers, port authorities, railroads, and 3PLs.
- Represent the company at major industry events, trade shows, and regulatory forums.
Required Qualifications:
- 15+ years of executive experience in the North American transportation and logistics industry, specifically with:
- Finished vehicle logistics operations
- Asset-based transportation or carrier operations
- Freight brokerage leadership
- Transportation asset management (trucks, trailers, equipment, facilities)
- Proven track record of leading high-growth or transformational initiatives in the logistics or automotive transportation space.
- Strong understanding of the North American Automotive transportation landscape, including regional and cross-border operations.
- Deep knowledge of DOT/FMSCA regulations, safety protocols, and logistics technology platforms.
- Financial acumen in managing budgets, driving profitability, and evaluating capital investments.
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced degree in Logistics, Business, or Supply Chain Management preferred.
- Up to 45% travel
Preferred Attributes:
- Experience working with or for OEMs and Tier 1 automotive suppliers.
- Background in integrating logistics tech platforms (TMS, ELD, yard management, telematics).
- Ability to scale a mixed-asset and non-asset-based operation in a dynamic, competitive market.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate in a fast-moving and evolving environment.
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