Freight Handlers Inc. (FHI), one of the country’s leading providers of warehouse, retail product handling and logistics services, has made some leadership changes.
Ryan Wall has been promoted to president and CEO, replacing Chairman and founder Chuck Wall as CEO. In addition, the Fuquay-Varina, N.C.-based company has named Reid Durst COO and Tal Wall CFO.
Ryan Wall, who previously was FHI’s president and COO, has overall executive and strategic responsibility for the leadership of FHI, including sales, market development, trading partner relations, planning and innovation.
Ryan Wall has worked for FHI since his graduation from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s Cameron School of Business with a degree in business management. He has held nearly every operational and administrative job at the company during the last 15 years. He is active in Dr. John C. Maxwell’s EQUIP organization and has been the youngest speaker at the international leadership development program. He also is an active advocate of Place of Hope, a faith-based foster care program in South Florida. Ryan Wall and his wife Sara Grace live with their son in Raleigh, N.C.
“Ryan is ready and able to take the reins of FHI. He assembled an excellent team that has the experience, capability and drive to take advantage of industry opportunities and bring the company to the next level,” said Chuck Wall, who will continue his work leading the company’s relationships with industry trade associations.
As COO, Durst is responsible for the day-to-day operation of FHI covering customer service, IT and human resources.
Durst is an operations executive with more than 24 years of experience and a unique background that combines several disciplines, including technology and operations management. Prior to joining FHI, Reid held executive and managerial level positions with Koch Industries, Disney and Williams Sonoma. His most recent position was VP of supply chain at Technicolor.
“FHI’s reputation for focusing on customer service and delivering exceptional results are unsurpassed in the industry. I’m excited to join FHI and have the opportunity to work with a talented team of professionals and help them achieve their goals,” said Durst.
Ryan Wall added, “Reid brings a fresh perspective to our company both operationally and on the technology side. He’ll be a great asset to our team and help build an even stronger organization.”
As CFO, Tal Wall is responsible for the company’s financial operations, banking and external audit/tax relationships, as well as leading the accounting and administrative teams.
Tal Wall joined FHI in 1994 as controller and advanced through the positions of VP of finance and chief administrative officer. Prior to joining FHI, he was controller at C.S. Henry Transfer Inc., a regional trucking company in eastern North Carolina. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a bachelor of arts degree in accounting and bachelor of science degree in agriculture economics. Tal Wall resides in Knightdale, N.C., with his wife Yvette and three sons.
“I look forward to the opportunity my new role gives me to help ensure FHI’s future success by promoting sound financial decisions and implementing strategic initiatives that drive top and bottom line growth,” said Tal Wall.
Ryan Wall said, “You want a CFO that you can trust and has integrity beyond reproach. Tal’s ability to understand financial operations, his business acumen and his personality complements our team perfectly.”
