Former USA Truck CEO James Reed Joins Kodiak

James Reed (Kodiak Robotics via PR Newswire)

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Former USA Truck CEO James Reed has joined autonomous truck technology company Kodiak Robotics, the company announced Jan. 19.

Reed assumed the role of chief operating officer. He was selected based on his experience in trucking, technology and finance. His role with Kodiak will include helping the company accelerate its growth plans.

“Working within the trucking and logistics industry has been both professionally and personally rewarding, especially as the supply chain became a headline topic for the critical role it plays in the economy,” Reed said. “Kodiak has a well-established reputation as the leader in developing and rolling out autonomous trucks that deliver safely and effectively. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to marry my trucking and tech industry experience to help Kodiak as it leads the trucking industry to its next major transformation.”

Reed previously spent six years as chief executive at USA Truck. Kodiak Robotics noted Reed led a successful turnaround of the company that culminated in its acquisition by German transportation firm DB Schenker in September. The technology company also praised him for forging a reputation of being an effective and well-respected leader.

“As the former CEO of USA Truck, James’ broad experience gives Kodiak an incredible advantage as we focus on accelerating growth,” Kodiak CEO Don Burnette said. “A trucking industry veteran with experience at tech companies like Intel, EMC and T-Mobile is a unicorn and a perfect fit for Kodiak. Leaders with James’ background don’t find themselves on the market very often; we’re fortunate to welcome him to the Kodiak team.”

USA Truck ranks No. 57 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America.

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