Kodiak Robotics, Inc., the leader in self-driving trucks, today announced the appointment of former USA Truck CEO James Reed as Chief Operating Officer (COO). For the past 25 years, Reed has worked with Intel, EMC, T-Mobile, and J.P. Morgan Chase. He will use his extensive experience to drive Kodiak’s future growth.
Don Burnett, Founder, and CEO of Kodiak Robotics said: “The truck industry veteran with experience at technology companies like Intel, EMC, and T-Mobile is a unicorn and a perfect fit for Kodiak. I am delighted to welcome you to the Kodiak team.”
Reed has built a reputation as an effective and respected leader with experience in financial management, strategic planning, management, business analysis, supply chain, transportation management, and operations.
He joined Kodiak from his USA Trucks and served as CEO for nearly six years. During his tenure, Reed successfully turned around a struggling company, culminating in its acquisition by Schenker in September 2022 of German shipping company DB. “Working in the trucking and logistics industry is both professionally and personally challenging, especially as supply chains have become a major topic due to their important role in the economy.
A recognized leader in the development and adoption of self-driving trucks that deliver effectively, don’t miss the opportunity to combine your experience in the trucking and technology industries to help Kodiak lead the next big transformation of the trucking industry. I couldn’t.”
Before USA Truck, he was Chief Financial Officer of Interstate Distributor Company, which was later acquired by Heartland Express. Previously, he held senior financial positions at technology companies such as Intel, EMC, T-Mobile, and Chase, where he served as divisional CFO of the wamu.com business. Reed holds his MBA in Finance from Brigham Young University.
About Kodiak Robotics
Kodiak Robotics, Inc. He was founded in 2018 to develop autonomous technology that powers cargo so people, partners, and the planet thrive. The company develops an industry-leading technology stack specifically designed for long-haul trucks, making the freight industry safer and more efficient.
Kodiak’s unique modular hardware approach integrates sensors into optimized sensor pod structures to optimize perception, scalability, and serviceability. The company delivers cargo daily to customers in the South and operates autonomously on the highway section of the route.