Saddle Creek Logistics Plans for CEO Transition

Saddle Creek Logistics Services CEO Cliff Otto plans on retiring, and current Chief Financial Officer Mark Cabrera is being groomed for the job, the company announced.

Cabrera will become the chief operating officer July 1 and is scheduled to take over the top job within two years, according to a statement outlining the succession plans.

Otto joined Saddle Creek in 2001, became president in 2007 and CEO in 2013.

“Saddle Creek has thrived under Cliff’s strategic guidance over the past 16 years, and we are extremely grateful for his leadership,” Saddle Creek Chairman Scott Thornton said. “True to form, he has made it a priority to provide a seamless transition and ensure customer satisfaction even as he moves toward retirement.”

Cabrera also joined Saddle Creek in 2001, after 15 years in financial roles at a variety of industries, including accounting firm Arthur Andersen.

“Mark is the ideal candidate to lead Saddle Creek. He understands our business inside and out and passionately supports our commitment to service excellence,” Thornton said. “He is well-positioned to build on the solid foundation we’ve established over the past 50 years and continue to grow the business strategically.”

The Lakeland, Fla.-based company ranks No. 30 on the Transport Topics Top 50 list of the largest logistics companies in North America.