Ryder Merges Euro Units

Miami-based logistics-services provider Ryder System Inc. is combining Ryder Transportation Services and Ryder Integrated Logistics, its divisions in Europe, to better serve customers and expand business.

The move is along the lines of a North American streamlining last year, the company said.

Ryder also announced European management changes.

Jos M.E. Hessels, 44, will head the European operations. Hessels will work as vice president and managing director. Hessels came to Ryder from Royal Pakhoed in the Netherlands. There, he worked for five years in logistics and procurement. He also worked for Royal Dutch Shell for 13 years.

Peter Backhouse, 34, will manage operations in the United Kingdom and Germany, the company said. Backhouse had been Ryder's director for the southern United Kingdom. He will be based in Slough, England, and report to Hessels.