Averitt
Fussell joined Averitt in 1991.

Transportation Transitions: New hires, promotions, groups

Dec. 20, 2024
Alvarez & Marsal launch new group, Averitt promotes internally, and Nissan Americas names new chairman.

Alvarez & Marsal launches new transportation and logistics infrastructure group in North America

Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal has appointed Joseph C. Sponholz, Esq., as managing director and leader of the new North American Transport and Logistics Infrastructure Group within its INFRA team in the U.S. The arrival of Sponholz supports A&M INFRA’s continued expansion into North America and reiterates the firm’s investment in senior talent to provide clients with fully integrated and global end-to-end project management services in highly specialized sectors.  

“Our global INFRA practice has experienced rapid growth since its inception,” Marcos Ganut, managing director leading A&M INFRA’s global expansion, said. “The launch of Transportation and Logistics Infrastructure in North America marks the next milestone of our increasing geographic footprint in support of growing market demand amidst economic volatility. Adding Joe allows us to provide clients with a more comprehensive suite of offerings and a specialized focus on transport and logistics infrastructure matters.”

Sponholz brings 28 years of experience in law, finance, operations, and management consulting to his role at A&M. Known as an “infrastructure problem-solver,” Sponholz has worked on engagements across multiple government departments and private sector initiatives, including airports, highways, bridges and tunnels, freight and passenger rail, oil and gas facilities, and ports.

“The significant transportation and logistics infrastructure projects in North America require fully integrated advisory services that can help manage a host of nuanced issues from start to finish,” Sponholz said. “Combining my in-depth experience with Alvarez & Marsal’s global footprint, integrated platform, and operational heritage ensures clients have the senior, experienced, hands-on support to execute increasingly complex transportation and logistics projects that are now the norm.”

See also: Transportation Transitions: New trucking appointments

Averitt promotes David Fussell to vp of dedicated sales

Averitt has promoted David Fussell to vp of dedicated sales, following the retirement of Walt Gray.  

Fussell joined Averitt in 1991. He served as a transportation sales specialist in Decatur and Nashville, later becoming service center director in Little Rock. In 2018, he transitioned to director of dedicated sales, working closely with Gray to expand the company’s dedicated accounts and deliver customized solutions to customers. 

“David’s extensive experience and leadership have been instrumental in expanding our dedicated services,” Kent Williams, EVP of sales and marketing at Averitt, said. “We look forward to seeing continued growth under his leadership in this role.”

Christian Meunier named Nissan Americas chairman

Christian Meunier has been named chairman of Nissan Americas, effective January 1. He replaces Jérémie Papin who has been appointed chief financial officer of Nissan Motor Co.

As chairman of Nissan Americas, Meunier will lead operations and strategy across all of North and South America as part of the company's global business plan. Meunier brings more than 30 years of experience building global automotive brands, leading marketing efforts, and driving sales results.

The most recent position he held was that of global CEO of Jeep and member of the executive committee of Jeep's parent company, Stellantis.

This marks a return to Nissan for Meunier, who held leadership roles throughout the company's global organization, including several top positions in the Americas. Within the region, he was SVP of sales and marketing and operations, Nissan North America; chairman, Nissan Canada; and president, Nissan Brazil.

 

About the Author

Jenna Hume | Digital Editor

Digital Editor Jenna Hume joined FleetOwner in November of 2o23 and previously worked as a writer in the gaming industry. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree in creative writing from Truman State University and a master of fine arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. She is currently based in Missouri. 

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