United Road Elevates Ryan Kraft to CEO Role
United Road, North America’s largest provider of finished vehicle logistics, has officially announced the promotion of Ryan Kraft to the position of Chief Executive Officer. This leadership transition marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey as it continues to strengthen its position as the industry leader in vehicle transportation and logistics. Kraft’s appointment is more than just a change at the top—it signals a forward-looking vision rooted in innovation, operational excellence, and deep institutional knowledge.
With over 15 years of dedicated service to United Road, Ryan Kraft brings a wealth of experience and a multifaceted understanding of the company’s operations, culture, and long-term strategic goals. At 43, Kraft represents a new generation of leadership that blends technological savvy with operational pragmatism—qualities that have become increasingly essential in the evolving logistics landscape.
Kraft’s journey within the organization is a testament to both his capabilities and United Road’s strong tradition of internal leadership development. He most recently served as Chief Operating Officer, where he played a pivotal role in optimizing company-wide logistics performance, customer service delivery, and strategic partnerships. Prior to that, he held the role of Chief Digital Officer, leading transformative initiatives that placed technology and digital infrastructure at the core of United Road’s operational model. His earlier roles spanned information technology, project management, and financial analysis—positions that allowed him to develop a comprehensive, end-to-end perspective of the company’s complex logistics network.
“This promotion comes with the full and unanimous support of the Board,” said Mark Anderson, United Road’s immediate past Chairman and CEO. “Ryan has long demonstrated vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to results. He understands not just the mechanics of our business, but the heartbeat—our people, our customers, and our mission. There is no one better suited to lead United Road into its next era of growth and impact.”
Anderson, who has guided United Road through numerous periods of expansion and industry disruption, emphasized that this transition reflects the company’s deliberate and strategic approach to leadership continuity. “We’ve always believed in grooming talent from within,” he said. “Ryan’s promotion underscores our belief that internal leaders with institutional experience are often best equipped to navigate the complexities of our industry and continue building on our legacy.”
Under Kraft’s leadership, United Road has made considerable strides in advancing its digital capabilities. Among the most notable innovations has been the launch of Haully™, a digital logistics platform that streamlines the process of vehicle relocation by connecting car haulers with available loads in real time. In parallel, Kraft has overseen the integration of in-vehicle telematics, giving United Road enhanced visibility into its fleet operations, route optimization, and vehicle health monitoring.
He also played a central role in the rollout of United Road’s real-time customer portal, an advanced interface that provides clients with up-to-the-minute updates on vehicle location, estimated delivery times, and condition reports. These technological enhancements have not only elevated United Road’s customer experience but also improved operational efficiency and sustainability—core components of the company’s long-term strategic plan.
Reflecting on his new role, Kraft expressed a mix of humility, gratitude, and resolve. “It is truly an honor to step into the CEO role at a company that means so much to me,” said Kraft. “Over the past decade and a half, I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside this incredible team and contribute to a company that sets the standard for excellence in vehicle logistics. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve built and tremendously excited about what lies ahead.”
Kraft also paid tribute to Mark Anderson, whose leadership he credited with navigating the company through some of the most challenging periods in recent history, including global supply chain disruptions and shifts in consumer demand. “Mark’s example of servant leadership has left a lasting impression on all of us. His ability to lead with empathy, while staying laser-focused on long-term success, is something I will strive to carry forward in my own leadership journey.”
The logistics industry is currently undergoing profound change, driven by shifting consumer expectations, advances in technology, and increased focus on sustainability. As CEO, Kraft will be tasked with guiding United Road through this evolving environment, ensuring the company remains agile, resilient, and responsive to both market opportunities and global challenges.
One of his primary focus areas will be expanding United Road’s network capacity while maintaining the exceptional service levels the company is known for. This includes investing in advanced route planning technologies, exploring alternative fuel vehicle options for its fleet, and developing partnerships that support continued growth in the U.S., Canada, and beyond.
In addition to leading United Road’s strategic initiatives, Kraft is also expected to play an increasingly prominent role in industry-wide dialogues about the future of transportation and logistics. His reputation as a forward-thinking, data-driven executive has earned him respect among peers and competitors alike.
Kraft’s leadership style has often been described as collaborative and inclusive. Colleagues note his ability to listen intently, synthesize complex ideas, and develop actionable solutions that align diverse teams toward common goals. “Ryan has a unique ability to bridge operational detail with big-picture thinking,” said one senior executive at United Road. “He brings people along with him, which is why teams trust him and why initiatives under his leadership tend to succeed.”
Before joining United Road, Kraft began his career as a financial analyst at Ford Motor Company, where he gained early exposure to the automotive industry. He later served as Chief Information Officer at Wilbanks Energy Logistics, a New Mexico-based company specializing in oilfield services, before making the transition to United Road. These formative experiences gave him valuable insight into both manufacturing and transportation dynamics—knowledge that has served him well in the vehicle logistics sector.
With Kraft now at the helm, United Road is poised to build on its legacy of operational excellence, customer commitment, and technological leadership. As the company continues to scale its operations and deepen its impact across North America, its leadership team remains confident that Kraft’s experience, vision, and values will guide United Road to even greater heights.
As Kraft summed it up, “We are in the midst of a pivotal moment for logistics and mobility. The companies that will succeed are the ones that stay agile, innovate constantly, and never lose sight of their customers and teams. I’m excited to lead United Road with that vision in mind.”