Neovia Appoints Jacques Retief as Chief Operations Officer
Neovia Logistics, a global leader in third-party contract logistics, has officially announced the appointment of Jacques Retief as the company’s new Chief Operations Officer (COO). This significant leadership addition comes at a pivotal moment as Neovia continues to expand its global footprint and enhance its service offerings in the face of evolving supply chain challenges.
The announcement was made by Neovia CEO Michael Fahy, who expressed his enthusiasm for Retief’s arrival and highlighted the value he brings to the company’s leadership team. “I am tremendously excited to have Jacques join the leadership team at Neovia,” said Fahy. “His proven industry experience and passion for helping solve continuously changing global supply chain challenges through people, process, and technology is simply unmatched.”
A Strategic Appointment for a Transformative Era
Jacques Retief joins Neovia with an extensive background in logistics and supply chain management, most recently serving in a key leadership role at DB Schenker, which is now part of DSV following a major merger. At DB Schenker, Retief was instrumental in leading the Contract Logistics Americas division. Under his guidance, the division grew to include more than 130 operational locations across the Americas and employed a workforce of over 10,000 people. This expansive scale and complexity reflect his capacity to lead large, dynamic logistics operations in diverse market conditions.
Prior to his tenure at DB Schenker, Retief held senior executive roles at several major logistics firms including RIM Logistics, DSV, and UTi Worldwide. His career trajectory demonstrates a consistent track record of driving operational excellence, implementing transformative solutions, and scaling business performance in complex, high-demand environments.
Nearly Two Decades of 3PL Experience
Retief brings to Neovia nearly 20 years of experience in third-party logistics (3PL), supported by a background in industrial engineering. His deep operational expertise spans across a multitude of industries including electronics, semiconductors, cloud computing, consumer goods, aerospace, automotive, industrial manufacturing, and eCommerce. This cross-industry experience makes him uniquely qualified to develop innovative logistics solutions tailored to a wide array of customer needs.
His approach blends technical acumen with a strong focus on people and culture. He is known in the industry for aligning operational strategy with customer expectations while cultivating high-performance teams that deliver results.
Driving Customer-Centric Growth at Neovia
As COO, Retief will be responsible for overseeing Neovia’s global operations, driving performance improvements, and ensuring that operational initiatives align with the company’s long-term strategic goals. His role will be crucial in advancing Neovia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its logistics infrastructure, integrate cutting-edge technologies, and deliver best-in-class service to its clients around the world.
“Jacques brings proven industry experience and insights that will complement the already exceptional leadership team we have in place at Neovia,” Fahy continued. “I am confident he will make an immediate impact on both our strategic growth and operational initiatives, as well as our dedicated focus on delighting and exceeding the expectations of our customers around the world.”
Fahy’s emphasis on customer satisfaction underscores the company’s philosophy that operational excellence must be aligned with customer-centric values. In Retief, Neovia gains a leader whose professional ethos mirrors this belief.
A Vision for the Future
For Retief, joining Neovia marks an exciting new chapter in his career. He expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to a company that blends heritage with ambition.
“I couldn’t be happier about this next step in my career,” Retief said. “Being able to join a company with such an impressive legacy and an exciting plan for the future is inspiring and motivating. I look forward to working with the talented team at Neovia and contributing to the company’s continued growth and transformation.”
His appointment reflects Neovia’s commitment to leadership that is not only experienced but also forward-thinking. As supply chains become increasingly complex due to globalization, digital transformation, and shifting consumer demands, the role of the COO becomes even more critical. Retief’s operational and strategic leadership will play a vital role in ensuring Neovia remains agile and resilient in this dynamic landscape.
About Neovia Logistics
Neovia Logistics is a global, customer-centric third-party logistics provider offering comprehensive supply chain solutions tailored to the needs of complex and high-performing industries. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Neovia operates over 90 facilities in more than 20 countries. The company provides a wide range of services, including inbound logistics, outbound distribution, aftermarket support, inventory optimization, and transportation management.
Neovia’s client base includes some of the world’s most respected brands, particularly in the automotive, industrial, aerospace, and technology sectors. With a heritage dating back to the logistics operations of Caterpillar, Neovia blends decades of experience with cutting-edge innovation.
The company’s operational philosophy focuses on building long-term partnerships with its customers, continuously improving service delivery, and leveraging technology to create smarter, faster, and more efficient supply chains.
The Road Ahead
The logistics industry is at a crossroads. Geopolitical uncertainties, labor shortages, environmental regulations, and technology disruption are reshaping how goods move around the globe. Neovia’s decision to bring Jacques Retief on board as COO is both a strategic and timely move. His deep-rooted industry expertise and visionary approach are expected to enhance Neovia’s ability to navigate these changes and emerge as an even stronger player in the global 3PL space.
By aligning leadership with innovation, Neovia is signaling its intent to be at the forefront of the next evolution in logistics. As Retief begins his journey with the company, stakeholders—from employees to customers to partners—can expect a renewed focus on operational excellence, digital innovation, and unwavering customer commitment.
With Retief’s appointment, Neovia is poised to reinforce its position as a trusted logistics partner capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly changing global economy. His leadership promises not only continuity and stability but also a bold vision for what’s possible in the future of global supply chains.