Ryder System, Inc. ®, a major player in fleet management and logistics, has unveiled a comprehensive succession plan following Robert Sanchez’s planned departure. The company’s board approved the transition, with current President and Chief Operating Officer John Diez set to assume the top executive role on March 31, 2026.
The Outgoing Leader’s Legacy
Robert Sanchez, who took the helm as CEO in early 2013 before becoming board chairman later that same year, will transition into an executive chair position. This strategic move is designed to facilitate a seamless leadership handover rather than a complete break from the organization.
Diez’s Path to the Top
John Diez brings substantial operational expertise to the role. Since the start of 2025, he has been steering day-to-day operations across Ryder’s three core business segments: Fleet Management Solutions, Supply Chain Solutions, and Dedicated Transportation Solutions. His appointment to the board becomes effective simultaneously with his CEO promotion.
Diez’s trajectory within Ryder spans two decades. He previously held the position of executive vice president and chief financial officer, overseeing all financial operations. Before his recent operational focus, Diez led the fleet management business segment, managing fleet operations and maintenance functions. He also served as president of the dedicated transportation unit, where he drove significant revenue expansion and enhanced operational returns.
Building on Industry Experience
Prior to joining Ryder in 2002, Diez built foundational skills in audit and financial oversight through his work at KPMG LLP, establishing a well-rounded background in both strategic and financial management that positions him to lead Ryder through its next growth phase.
The structured transition underscores how major transportation and logistics firms approach leadership continuity, ensuring operational consistency while bringing fresh perspectives to executive decision-making.
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Leadership Transition at Ryder: John Diez Poised to Lead Transportation Giant as Robert Sanchez Steps Down
Ryder System, Inc. ®, a major player in fleet management and logistics, has unveiled a comprehensive succession plan following Robert Sanchez’s planned departure. The company’s board approved the transition, with current President and Chief Operating Officer John Diez set to assume the top executive role on March 31, 2026.
The Outgoing Leader’s Legacy
Robert Sanchez, who took the helm as CEO in early 2013 before becoming board chairman later that same year, will transition into an executive chair position. This strategic move is designed to facilitate a seamless leadership handover rather than a complete break from the organization.
Diez’s Path to the Top
John Diez brings substantial operational expertise to the role. Since the start of 2025, he has been steering day-to-day operations across Ryder’s three core business segments: Fleet Management Solutions, Supply Chain Solutions, and Dedicated Transportation Solutions. His appointment to the board becomes effective simultaneously with his CEO promotion.
Diez’s trajectory within Ryder spans two decades. He previously held the position of executive vice president and chief financial officer, overseeing all financial operations. Before his recent operational focus, Diez led the fleet management business segment, managing fleet operations and maintenance functions. He also served as president of the dedicated transportation unit, where he drove significant revenue expansion and enhanced operational returns.
Building on Industry Experience
Prior to joining Ryder in 2002, Diez built foundational skills in audit and financial oversight through his work at KPMG LLP, establishing a well-rounded background in both strategic and financial management that positions him to lead Ryder through its next growth phase.
The structured transition underscores how major transportation and logistics firms approach leadership continuity, ensuring operational consistency while bringing fresh perspectives to executive decision-making.