The Suddath Companies have announced that president and Chief Executive Officer, Barry Vaughn, will retire in May and assume the new position of vice chairman of The Suddath Companies.

Barry joined Suddath in 1974 and assumed the CEO position in 2003. Michael J. Brannigan, current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of president and CEO following Barry’s transition. 

“Barry has been a great leader as our CEO for the last 12 years and a tremendous contributor at every leadership position he has held over the last 40 plus years,” said Steve Suddath, Chairman of the Board. “I am extremely grateful to Barry as he has capably and proudly led Suddath through tremendous growth and through many industry, market and regulatory changes. Of note, a good portion of this growth and expansion was experienced during a period of years when other companies were retracting or could not meet the trials of a challenging economy.” 

As Vice Chairman, Barry will continue his leadership position on the UniGroup Board of Directors, will represent company interests in domestic and international trade associations including AMSA, FIDI and OMNI, and continue to mentor leadership within the organisation. Barry will also provide strategic direction around Suddath’s ownership interests in Victoria National Golf Course, recently rated among America's greatest 100 golf courses. “Having Barry’s continued involvement will also free up time for Mike to focus on our strategy, our key customers and leading our tremendous team here at Suddath,” said Steve. “This is an important chapter in an orderly transition and I congratulate Barry on an exceptional career.”

“It has been my privilege to help build one of the great companies in our industry,” said Barry.  “While I will continue to have significant responsibilities as vice chairman of The Suddath Companies, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family as well as devoting energies to other interests. It has been a tremendous run here for these past 41 years, I look forward to working with Steve and the entire Board and watching Mike take this company to the next level.”

During Barry’s tenure as CEO from 2003 to 2015, Suddath experienced its most significant period of global expansion.  He also led Suddath to the forefront of many industry advancements including testing and implementing alternative methods of transportation, deploying paperless technologies, growing military and government relationships and building one of the most enviable leadership teams and organisations in the industry.  

It is expected that this transition will be complete by the end of May. 

Photos: Barry Vaughn; Barry might be playing a little more golf in the future.