Forward Air announced Eric Brandt as its new Chief Commercial Officer on Wednesday after market close, following its challenging merger with Omni Logistics.
Earlier this year, Forward Air made waves by buying another logistics company, Omni Logistics, for a staggering $2.1 billion. This was a big move aimed at transforming Forward Air from a regional player into a powerhouse in expedited freight delivery.
Brandt joined the team to lead the merged company’s growth and to help them chart a new path. Brandt is responsible for building a commercial strategy and driving business growth for the new Forward-Omni operation. He’s worked in transportation and logistics for over 20 years, holding top roles at big names like Ceva Logistics, Agility, Panalpina, and even Kraft Foods. Known for his skills in business development, Brandt is seen as the right person to bring a fresh perspective to the company.
Forward Air’s CEO, Shawn Stewart, who took on his role in April 2024, has expressed strong confidence in Brandt. Stewart believes that Brandt’s experience, especially his ability to lead big transformation projects, will be key as Forward Air seeks to expand its services. Before joining Forward Air, Stewart himself was a senior leader at Ceva Logistics in North America, so he’s familiar with the complex logistics landscape. Stewart stated that the goal is not just to grow in size but to improve how Forward Air serves its customers, delivering packages faster and with greater efficiency.
But it’s not just the top executives working on this new vision. Forward Air has also brought on Jamie Pierson, a financial expert who was previously CFO at Yellow Corp. Pierson’s expertise lies in managing finances during times of change, and he’s expected to help Forward Air stabilize after this major acquisition. The company has faced financial difficulties in the past, so his skills in restructuring could be especially valuable as they integrate with Omni.
In addition, investors in Forward Air have shown significant interest in the merger. While some shareholders support the aggressive growth strategy of the company, they believe it is going too far. These concerns prompted some attuned investors to press the board to consider options that include selling the whole firm. In this regard, Forward Air has recently hired investment banks to evaluate options, such as whether the company should stay on its current path or sell itself to another firm. All this has proven even harder for the firm in its efforts to balance growth with its investors’ appetites.
Despite the pressures, Forward Air’s recent third-quarter report has brought a bit of good news. For the first time since the merger closed, the company reported positive cash flow. The company’s size and reach have increased, and now it’s focusing on refining its services and ensuring it can compete in the global logistics arena.
By leveraging their expertise and resources, Lading Logistics aims to provide efficient and reliable international shipping and logistics solutions for their clients.
