Saddle Creek Names President

Transportation and warehousing firm Saddle Creek Corp. said Tuesday that Bruce Abels is retiring as the company’s president effective July 1, and will be replaced by Cliff Otto.

Otto, the company’s executive vice president, will become president of Saddle Creek Corp. and Saddle Creek Transportation, the company said.

Otto — who joined Saddle Creek in 2001 and is responsible for directing warehousing and value-added operations — will be the third president in Saddle Creek’s history.

“This leadership change is part of our plan to transition to the next generation of Saddle Creek’s future,” Abels said in a statement. “These changes re-affirm our strategic decision to remain privately held and are in the best interests of our customers and associates.”

Abels will continue as Saddle Creek’s vice chairman and will provide advisory services to the company’s management.

He will also represent the company on the board of the International Warehouse Logistics Association, at which he is an officer.