Autonomous trucking company Kodiak Robotics announced the appointment of former USA Truck CEO James Reed to the role of chief operating officer. Over the past 25 years, Reed has built his career in executive and financial leadership for well-known companies in trucking, technology, and finance, including Intel, EMC, T-Mobile, and J.P. Morgan Chase.

“As the former CEO of USA Truck, James’s broad experience gives Kodiak an incredible advantage as we focus on accelerating growth,” said Don Burnette, founder and CEO of Kodiak Robotics in a statement. “A trucking industry veteran with experience at tech companies like Intel, EMC, and T-Mobile is a unicorn and a perfect fit for Kodiak.”

Reed has forged a reputation for being an effective and well-respected leader with experience in financial management, strategic planning, controllership, business analytics, supply chain, transportation management and operations, according to the company. He joins Kodiak from USA Truck, where he spent nearly six years as CEO. During his tenure, Reed led a successful turnaround of the faltering company, culminating in the company’s acquisition by German transportation firm DB Schenker in September 2022.

“Working within the trucking and logistics industry has been both professionally and personally rewarding, especially as the supply chain became a headline topic for the critical role it plays in the economy,” added Reed. “Kodiak has a well-established reputation as the leader in developing and rolling out autonomous trucks that deliver safely and effectively. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to marry my trucking and tech industry experience to help Kodiak as it leads the trucking industry to its next major transformation.”

Prior to his role with USA Truck, Reed was chief financial officer of Interstate Distributor Company, which was later acquired by Heartland Express. Earlier, he held senior finance positions for tech companies including Intel, EMC, and T-Mobile and was Division CFO for Chase’s wamu.com business.