ROBERT SANCHEZ

CHAIRMAN & CEO, RYDER SYSTEM, CORAL GABLES

Founded in 1933, Ryder System is a $12.6-billion port-to-door logistics and transportation company providing supply chain, dedicated transportation and fleet management solutions to some of the world’s most-recognized brands. In his 30-plus year career at Ryder System, Sanchez has served in numerous executive leadership positions, including president and COO, CFO and CIO. He was named chairman and CEO in 2013.

EDUCATION: University of Miami (BS),
University of Pennsylvania (MBA)

FIRST JOB: At age 14, my first job was at a Carvel Ice Cream store in Miami. I learned two very important business lessons from that job: 1) you have to really listen to your customers and then find a way to give them what they want, and 2) to succeed, you must embrace innovation by taking chances and going against the status quo.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: As my childhood hero was Johnny Bench and my favorite sport is baseball, if I had been born with the skills, I would for sure be a professional baseball player.

HOBBIES: Golfing and fishing are in a tie.

INDUSTRY TREND: The necessity of a fully integrated, port-to-door supply chain. As complexity rises — from speed-to-shelf demands to vendor diversification and nearshoring/onshoring — companies are prioritizing agility, visibility and control. Long-term secular growth trends continue to favor the outsourcing of transportation and logistics to partners who can deliver this port-to-door operation.