Ryder appointed Rob Pluta to the role of vice president and chief technology product officer (CTPO) for its fleet management solutions business unit.

Pluta will be responsible for leading the development and execution of customer-facing, new technology and innovation products for Ryder Fleet Management Solutions (FMS), Ryder’s largest business segment, which provides leasing, used commercial vehicle sales and commercial rental of trucks, tractors and trailers, as well as contract maintenance to customers through Ryder’s nearly 800 service locations.

“We’re excited to be able to fill this critical position with someone of the caliber of Rob, as we are in a time of increasing disruption within the industry and Ryder remains focused on being a leader by continuing to develop and deliver new products and services to our customers,” Karen Jones, chief marketing officer and head of new product development for Ryder, said. “Rob has a strong track record in understanding the unique needs of the customers in the automotive industry and will fit in nicely into the culture of innovation at Ryder.”

Pluta also will play a role in managing Ryder’s solutions for fleet technology, including RyderGyde, a fleet management app that includes features for maintenance, compliance and roadside assistance; Ryder Telematics, which provides customers with ELD solutions designed to keep drivers safe; and RyderConnect, a tool for categorizing, collecting and publishing TSP provider data from multiple connected assets in one spot for real-time and predictive maintenance. He also will be help advance Ryder’s electric and autonomous vehicle initiatives.

“As an industry leading company across multiple sectors, Ryder is positioned well to continue its initiatives in advanced vehicle technology for fleets, and I could not be more thrilled to play a role in driving new opportunities and shaping the company’s support for customers with innovative solutions,” Pluta said.

Pluta is a 10-year automotive industry veteran with a focus on the digitization of the customer experience, as well as the advancing of business through technology solutions addressing industry mobility disruptors such as vehicle electrification and subscription offerings.

Pluta will succeed Rich Mohr, who left Ryder earlier this year.