YRC Names Two Trucking Chiefs; Eliminates Four Executive Posts

Continuing a recent management shakeup, less-than-truckload carrier YRC Worldwide said it has appointed two executives to key positions and eliminated four executive roles.

Jeff Rogers was named president of its YRC unit, the company’s largest trucking operation. Rogers moves over from leading its YRC’s Holland subsidiary.

Mike Naatz, who had been chief customer officer, was named president of the Holland regional trucking business, replacing Rogers. Naatz’ former position was eliminated.

The YRC unit was formerly headed by Mike Smid in the role of chief operations officer. Smid left YRC in late July and his position was one of four that was eliminated.

The moves come two months after James Welch was named YRC Worldwide’s CEO, succeeding longterm chairman and CEO Bill Zollars.

Rogers, 49, and Naatz, 45, will both report to Welch.

Less than two weeks ago, YRC completed a restructuring process with the issuance of new shares that left lenders and the Teamsters union holding 97.5% of the company’s stock.

“These changes will streamline the organization and will enable the company to manage its business more effectively and efficiently as it moves forward, returning YRC Worldwide to a more traditional holding company,” the company said in a statement.

In addition, James Kissinger’s position of chief administrative officer was eliminated and he left the company. YRC also eliminated the chief marketing officer post held by Gregory Reid, who also left the company.

Before taking over as president of Holland, Rogers held several senior management posts at YRC and worked for 14 years at UPS Inc. in financial and operating roles. Naatz came to YRC when the company purchased USF in 2005.

YRC Worldwide is ranked No. 4 on the Transport Topics 100 listing of U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.