Arkansas Best Corp. announced that James A. Ingram, currently vice president of market development, will add the responsibilities of strategic development, effective immediately. His new title will be vice president of strategic development, responsible for the development of strategic initiatives for Arkansas Best and its subsidiaries. Chris Baltz, currently senior vice president of yield management and strategic development, has chosen to leave the company.
“I am pleased to have Jim Ingram add these responsibilities to his current duties,” says Judy R. McReynolds, president and chief executive officer of the Fort Smith, Ark.-based company. “Throughout his time with our company, he has demonstrated a strong analytical ability, and his keen insight will be important in identifying future opportunities for Arkansas Best.”
In conjunction with these changes, Roy Slagle, ABF senior vice president of sales and marketing, will assume responsibility for ABF’s yield management. Daniel E. Loe was promoted to vice president of yield management for ABF, reporting to Slagle. Slagle is a 38-year veteran of the transportation industry and has served in numerous capacities with ABF for 34 years. Loe began his career at ABF in 1997 as an analyst in the pricing department and held various positions during his seven years in that area. He assumed his current position as ABF director of marketing and public relations in 2004.
“Roy Slagle and Danny Loe have the experience and knowledge required to maintain ABF’s tradition of disciplined pricing and its focus on individual account profitability,” McReynolds says. “These principles have been major reasons for ABF’s past success, and under the leadership of Roy and Danny, they will continue to be vital elements as our company seeks to return to consistent profitability.
“Finally, I’d like to thank Chris Baltz for his 21 years of service to ABF and Arkansas Best,” McReynolds says. “Throughout his time here, our company has greatly benefited in a number of different areas from his positive contributions. I am sorry he has decided to leave us at this time, but I wish Chris and his family the best in the future.”
