Odyssey Elects Vice Admiral Edward M. Straw As Chairman of Its Board
DANBURY, Conn. – Jan. 30, 2006 – Odyssey Logistics & Technology, a provider of global transportation and logistics services for chemical and process manufacturers, today announced the appointment of Edward M. Straw to the position of Chairman of the Board. A retired three-star admiral, Ed Straw is widely recognized in the business world as an innovative leader for his hands-on methods of producing measurable bottom-line results. Straw's proven leadership in global operations and supply chain management will help position Odyssey as the leader in its sector and facilitate the drive to achieve its long-term growth goals. Bob Shellman remains Chief Executive Officer of Odyssey Logistics & Technology.
"Odyssey has already demonstrated its world-class capabilities in the global logistics and supply chain services sector, as exemplified by its chemical market expertise, end-to-end solution and satisfied customers," said Straw. "I am extremely pleased to be elected Chairman, and I look forward to working with the Odyssey leadership to take the company to the next level of excellence."
Admiral Straw has held a number of senior-level, private-sector positions, most recently as the President of Global Operations for The Estée Lauder Companies. In this role, he was responsible for research and development, package engineering, procurement, information systems, manufacturing and distribution in support of 20 global brands for the $6 billion cosmetics, skin care and fragrance company.
He has also held other senior executive level positions with a supply chain and logistics management focus, including Senior Vice President at Compaq Computer Corporation, and President of Miami-based Ryder Integrated Logistics, Inc. Prior to joining the private sector, he completed a distinguished 35-year career in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a three-star admiral in 1996. During his military service, Admiral Straw served as Chief Executive Officer of the Defense Logistics Agency, the largest military logistics command supporting the American armed forces.
Admiral Straw holds a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the U.S. Naval Academy.
"We are excited to have Admiral Ed Straw assume the Chairman position," said Bob Shellman, CEO of Odyssey Logistics & Technology. "His leadership capabilities and global supply chain and logistics experience, in both the public and private sectors, will provide great value as Odyssey continues to strengthen its leadership position in global transportation management."
Odyssey Logistics & Technology provides global logistics management services to the chemical industry and other process manufacturers. Odyssey enables its customers to outsource any part of the management and transportation of their raw materials and finished goods, helping these companies save money through reduced transportation and infrastructure costs, measurable customer service and process improvements, and enhanced data quality and management. The Odyssey team of chemical engineers and logisticians brings unparalleled expertise to the logistics supply chain in all modes of transport. The Odyssey Global Logistics Platform is a transportation management infrastructure that serves as the technology backbone to its service offering.
Odyssey International is a licensed export freight forwarder and wholly owned subsidiary of Odyssey Logistics & Technology, managing exports to more than 80 countries.
The company is backed by investors Trident Capital, LogiSpring, Boston Millennia Partners, CMEA Ventures and RRE Ventures.