Former Convoy executive Grant Goodale has taken on a new role as chief product and technology officer at Florida-based logistics company Ryder. The appointment marks Goodale’s return to the transportation industry following the closure of Convoy, the Seattle-based digital freight network he co-founded, in 2023.
Goodale, who will continue to be based in Seattle, was approached for the position by Andrew Berberick, who founded Baton, a logistics technology company acquired by Ryder in 2022. In announcing his new role on LinkedIn, Goodale expressed enthusiasm about returning to combine cutting-edge technology with logistics operations.
The move comes after Goodale’s previous venture, Convoy, which he established in 2015 alongside former Amazon colleague Dan Lewis, ceased operations last year. The startup, which had reached a valuation of nearly $4 billion, developed technology to connect truckers with shipping opportunities and attracted investment from prominent figures including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos. Following its closure, Convoy’s assets were acquired by Flexport.
Goodale’s transition to Ryder follows the path of his Convoy co-founder Dan Lewis, who recently joined Microsoft as chief product officer. Ryder, which reported revenue of $12.6 billion in the previous year, representing a 7% increase, has been expanding its technology presence, particularly after establishing a Silicon Valley office following the Baton acquisition in 2023.
In related industry moves, Seattle-based e-commerce startup Shipium has elevated Geoff Tamman to the position of chief financial officer. Tamman, who joined the company in 2022, previously served as vice president of finance and operations after spending more than 12 years at Amazon.
Additionally, venture capital firm Graham & Walker, based in Seattle, has strengthened its team with the addition of Ryan Hughes as chief of staff. Hughes, who will work from New York City, brings experience from nearly five years at Goldman Sachs. The firm’s founder, Leslie Feinzaig, had previously shared insights about the traditional hiring approach used to fill this position.
These personnel changes reflect the ongoing evolution of the Pacific Northwest’s technology sector, particularly in the logistics and startup ecosystem. Goodale’s appointment at Ryder represents a significant move for both the executive and the company, as they aim to advance technological innovation in the transportation industry.
The appointment comes at a time when traditional logistics companies are increasingly embracing digital transformation. Ryder’s acquisition of Baton and subsequent hiring of technology leaders like Goodale demonstrates the industry’s commitment to incorporating advanced technology solutions into traditional transportation and logistics operations.
For Goodale, the new role offers an opportunity to apply his expertise in technology and transportation at a well-established company with significant market presence. His experience in building Convoy’s digital freight platform, combined with Ryder’s extensive logistics network, positions the company to further develop its technological capabilities.
The movement of talent between established companies and startups continues to shape the region’s business landscape. These transitions bring valuable experience and innovative perspectives to both traditional enterprises and emerging companies, contributing to the ongoing digital transformation of various industries.