Transportation Transitions: New leaders for Navistar, FMCSA, PGT, and Dana

Navistar announces new EVP

Navistar announced that Dan Kayser will assume the role of EVP of commercial operations, effective July 1.

As a new member of the executive leadership team, Kayser will work with the group to execute on Navistar's enterprise strategy and drive positive results in customer satisfaction, employee experience, financial performance, and efficiency.

"I offer my congratulations to Dan on his appointment as commercial operations leader," said Mathias Carlbaum, Navistar president and CEO. "He has proven himself to be an exceptional leader with strong expertise in commercial vehicles and operational effectiveness. I look forward to working with him more closely to deliver on Navistar's transformative journey, which is already well underway."

As head of commercial operations, Kayser is responsible for the sales and marketing areas of the business. He is tasked with leading the transformation of the commercial team to drive customer satisfaction and secure the value of International and IC Bus.

Most recently, he served as the group VP of national accounts at Navistar, where he led the company's direct sales business. Kayser has also held positions in sales and dealer management, including as a front-line dealer sales representative at two independent International dealerships.

"I am honored and humbled to step into this new role,"  Kayser said. "I am confident in this company, our dealer partners, and our leadership and believe that we are jointly committed to taking actions to deliver value and meet the needs of our customers."

FMCSA gets its next deputy administrator

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced the appointment of  Vinn White as its new deputy administrator.

“It is an honor to take on this role, and I thank Secretary Buttigieg for his trust and confidence in my ability to lead the important work of FMCSA,” White said. “Our agency is focused on enhancing safety for all roadway users, and I am committed to working with safety partners across the commercial motor vehicle industry to get this work done.”

White replaces Sue Lawless, who served as interim acting deputy administrator and has led the agency since January. Lawless stepped in after Robin Hutcheson, the previous FMCSA head, left in January.

White’s experience and knowledge in transportation spans more than 15 years, including a tenure as senior adviser to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and several years with the Department of Transportation.

PGT Trucking adds two VPs

PGT Trucking, a multi-service transportation firm providing flatbed, dedicated, international and specialized solutions, has added two new executive members: Mark Mageary is now VP of maintenance, and Tom Cook is VP of recruiting, supporting the company’s development and focus on driver growth.

Bringing more than 23 years of experience in the trucking industry, Mageary has implemented maintenance programs designed to reduce costs, increase operational efficiencies and streamline overall asset management. Prior to joining PGT, he worked as the VP of maintenance for a 10,000+ truck carrier, where he focused on developing policies to drive business growth, strengthen vendor relationships and standardize operations.

Mageary holds an associate degree in business from the University of Phoenix and is a member of the American Trucking Associations Technology and Maintenance Council.

“Mark will work closely with PGT’s partner, Penske Truck Leasing, as he oversees PGT’s maintenance operations and company assets,” Gregg Troian, PGT Trucking president, said. “With Mark’s guidance, we will continue to enhance PGT’s driver offerings, ensuring that our proud professionals have quality equipment, minimal downtime, and reliable service.”

Cook has more than 33 years of experience in driver recruiting and management in transportation. During his career, he consistently contributed to each company’s hiring goals, leading his recruiting teams to post record numbers year after year. Cook developed partnerships with advertising firms, CDL schools, and other truck driver training programs, leveraging these resources to increase efficiency and expand company fleets. He is a native of Ohio and holds a degree in sales management/business administration from Columbus Business University.

“Tom will lead PGT’s recruiting department to hire and retain safe, professional truck drivers, helping PGT achieve our driver growth goals,” Troian added. “With his proven track record at major carriers, I am confident that Tom will be a valued resource and motivating leader at PGT.”