Dagnese New Con-way Freight President, Lehmkuhl New Linage Logistics CEO

Joseph M. Dagnese assumes his new position immediately, succeeding W. Gregory Lehmkuhl, who will become Lineage Logistics new Chief Executive Officer, effective mid-July.

Current Linage CEO Bill Hendricksen will transition into the role of Vice Chairman at that time.

Dagnese, a 32-year veteran of the transportation and logistics industry, moves into the top leadership role at Con-way Freight from Con-way Truckload, where he served as its president.

“Joe brings an impressive array of lean management skills, strategic insight and leadership qualities to Con-way Freight,” said Douglas W. Stotlar, president and CEO of Con-way Inc.

“His unique background and broad experience across the Con-way organization provide continuity to our lean journey while driving continued progress with our growth and improvement initiatives at Con-way Freight.”

Dagnese began his career at Con-way in 1995, when he joined Menlo Logistics, Con-way’s global logistics and supply chain management unit.

Prior to becoming the president at Con-way Truckload, Joe served as vice president of Menlo’s International operations, and previously led Menlo’s Automotive and Government Services, and Consumer, Retail & Industrial groups.

He joined Menlo following 14 years with The Procter & Gamble Company.

Related: What Does It Take To Remain A Supply Chain Leader?

Lineage Logistics, LLC, backed by Bay Grove Capital, has grown into one of the largest temperature-controlled logistics companies globally.

Lehmkuhl becomes CEO as the company moves into its next phase of growth and works to further expand its comprehensive cold chain solutions for customers.

“Greg is a skilled leader with a stellar reputation in the logistics industry for driving growth. He has the energy and the experience to fulfill our vision of becoming the world’s most dynamic temperature-controlled logistics company,” said Adam Forste, Co-Chairman of Lineage Logistics and Managing Director of Bay Grove.

As Corporate EVP and President of Con-Way Freight, Inc., Lehmkuhl had responsibility for overall company operating and financial performance, strategic planning and business plan development, and direction of the company’s continuous improvement processes.

During his 14-year career at Con-Way Freight and its sister organization, Menlo Worldwide Logistics, Lehmkuhl catalyzed organizational growth, implemented process transformation, developed complex customer partnerships and engineered large business-line expansions.

He is regarded as a thought leader who embraces a customer- and employee-centric vision enabled through lean processes and technology innovation.

After more than 35 years as an entrepreneur and leader in the cold chain industry, Hendricksen will assume the role of Vice Chairman of Lineage, where he will continue to help support key customer relationships, ongoing strategy development and Lineage’s participation in industry groups and boards.

“My decision to step down earlier this year was based on finding the right person to take Lineage into the future. Every company has different stages of growth, and each stage requires a CEO with specific skillsets. Greg is an exceptional leader who has expertise integrating and transforming growing companies and possesses the character to inspire our team. I’m excited to help support Greg and Lineage for many years to come,” said Hendricksen.

Related: Balancing Technology and Process to Maintain Your Cold Chain