Flatbed and specialized transportation and logistics provider Daseke has named Chris Easter as its chief operating officer.

Easter has more than 30 years of experience in operational leadership serving in transportation and logistics roles with the U.S. Army, Walmart, and Schneider National. Most recently he served as the CEO of Keen Transport, a specialized transportation, warehouse, and logistics company focused on serving the industrial equipment market.

As COO, Easter efforts will be geared toward driving Daseke’s organic revenue growth, expanding EBITDA margins and maximizing free cash flow.

“Chris Easter’s in-depth knowledge of flatbed and specialized transportation, broad background in large- scale logistics, and proven ability to build and lead teams gives me great confidence in the bright future for both Chris and Daseke,” said Don Daseke, chairman and CEO of Daseke. “Chris is the right person to lead our operations and develop our people’s talent as we fully leverage the scale we have built.”

Easter was at Walmart for over a decade, overseeing the transportation of goods from around the globe. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served with distinction as a leader in heavy machinery logistics. He was awarded the Bronze Star during Operation Desert Storm.