FVL13_4.Dennismanns.Honda44[Updated 12 November] Dennis Manns (left) has taken up a new role as chief commercial officer at US rail shipping provider, Road & Rail Services, where he will be responsible for leading growth in the various segments of the company’s commercial business.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Dennis join the Road & Rail Services family,” said the company’s president, Kevin Brandon. “Dennis’ strategic outlook, vision, planning experience and commitment makes him a perfect fit to lead our commercial activities. Along with his strategic strengths, Dennis is well known in the automotive industry for his dedication and for achieving outstanding results, including a 31-year career at American Honda in both sales and operations. Everyone at Road & Rail Services looks forward to this exciting new chapter.”

Manns was previously responsible for Honda’s finished vehicle logistics in the US, a role he held for nine years as part of his long career with the carmaker. Earlier this year it was announced that he would be moving to work directly with sales franchises as vice-president of dealer development at American Honda, but he has since left the company.

Chuck Kendig took over from Manns as assistant vice-president (AVP) of sales and production planning, logistics back in April this year.

Manns told Automotive Logistics that he was excited about the new role.

“This is a award winning organisation with a solid reputation in not only finished automotive logistics but in many areas of other key logistic services,” said Manns. “I am looking forward to this new challenge. I believe this is a wonderful opportunity to leverage my industry experience and assist my new team in sales and marketing that I will pull from my various sales and operating assignments during my tenure with American Honda.

“My Honda team forged a number of new industry initiatives and I plan to hopefully create a list of equally exciting new projects,” continued Manns. “Over the next few months I plan to bring a new level of excitement and energy to a great group of people and a excellent organisation.”

In other moves at Road & Rail Services, Robert Sadler and Greg Miller have been appointed vice presidents of customer services, moving from their respective roles as general managers.

Sadler has 25 years of experience in automotive operations and labour relations and will lead automotive services at the company. Miller has more than 40 years' expertise in mechanical repair and automotive distribution.