Ryder System Inc. Celebrates Success in Supply Chain Innovation with 2025 Pros to Know Awards

Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) has made headlines by celebrating the recognition of its leaders in the recently announced 2025 Pros to Know awards by *Supply & Demand Chain Executive*. The company has achieved a remarkable feat by sweeping accolades across three distinct categories, showcasing its commitment to advancing supply chain innovation and operational excellence. The Pros to Know list is an annual event that highlights individuals who have made significant contributions to the supply chain industry, offering insights and inspiration for others seeking to leverage supply chain capabilities as a competitive advantage.

This year, Ryder’s honorees include Cherie Brinkerhoff, Kevin Askew, and Sandy Hodes, who have been recognized for their leadership within the supply chain sector.

Cherie Brinkerhoff, senior vice president of supply chain operations, has been acknowledged in the Leaders in Excellence category. Her strategic leadership has been pivotal across Ryder’s retail, technology, and healthcare verticals. Notably, Cherie led the transformation of a major hospital network’s supply chain into a self-distribution model, which has resulted in enhanced inventory control and real-time visibility. By improving fill rates and on-time delivery, her initiatives have maximized operational efficiency. Furthermore, Cherie is dedicated to nurturing future talent through the Ryder Women’s Leadership Forum and an internal internship program aimed at aspiring supply chain engineers.

Kevin Askew, vice president of transportation execution and strategy, has been recognized as a Top Transportation Innovator for his efforts in operational excellence and the transformation of Ryder’s dedicated transportation solutions (DTS) business. Under his leadership, the implementation of the Flex operating model has streamlined resource utilization, reduced idle capacity, and increased productivity across the board. Kevin also plays an active role in continuous improvement initiatives and is pivotal in piloting new automation and technology within the organization.

Sandy Hodes, chief procurement and corporate development officer, has earned recognition as a Top Procurement Pro due to his extensive experience in procurement and supply chain management at Ryder. With an annual budget of approximately $8 billion, Sandy oversees strategic sourcing and supplier management, ensuring cost efficiency and compliance. His innovative restructuring of Ryder’s procurement operations has made them more agile and transparent, enhancing value delivery to Ryder’s customers.

Steve Sensing, president of supply chain solutions for Ryder, praised the achievements of the honorees, stating, “From Cherie’s work optimizing a 14-hospital network to Kevin’s operational efficiency initiatives and Sandy’s procurement innovations, their achievements not only improve Ryder’s operational performance but also enhance the value we deliver to our customers every day.” He emphasized the integrity and dedication of Ryder’s team, which is crucial in maintaining the company’s competitive edge.

Ryder System, Inc. is a fully integrated logistics and transportation company, offering a wide range of services including supply chain management, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions. Ryder’s extensive portfolio caters to various industries across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, managing nearly 250,000 commercial vehicles and operating approximately 300 warehouses. The company is consistently recognized for its industry-leading practices and technology-driven innovations.

As Ryder celebrates these accomplishments, it reinforces its position as a leader in the supply chain sector, committed to fostering innovation and excellence within the industry.