Phoenix Leaders Changing Reins

Wood Dale, Illinois – July 5, 2007 - Phoenix International Freight Services, Ltd.  announced the retirement of founder and CEO Bill McInerney, effective July 1st, 2007.  After a remarkable 27-year career as CEO of Phoenix International, McInerney will now serve his company as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Under his leadership, Phoenix grew from a start-up air export company in Chicago, into a leading international logistics service provider with 71 offices around the world.  Recently recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business Journal as one of the fastest-growing companies in Chicago, Phoenix International has 25 offices in the US, 22 in Asia, 16 in the Indian subcontinent, 8 in Europe and more than 1500 employees that generated nearly $800 million in fiscal year 2007 revenue. 

McInerney, a lifelong resident of the greater Chicago area, is a graduate of Loyola University in Chicago. He served two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Somalia, and several years as a school teacher and insurance agent prior to entering the freight forwarding industry, where he founded Phoenix International in 1979.

Upon retiring, McInerney proudly announced the appointment of Stephane Rambaud as Phoenix’s new CEO and President. Rambaud, who began his career with Phoenix as a clerk in the Chicago import department, has served as President and COO since 2003. Speaking about the transition, McInerney said, “Stephane is excited about his expanded role, and perfectly prepared for it. He will be able to shift into the CEO role without skipping a beat, and lead our fantastically-talented and dedicated management team.” 

After 22 years of working together to build Phoenix into a successful global company, Rambaud is appreciative of McInerney’s advice and wisdom. “As a result of Bill’s leadership, the company is well-positioned for continued growth and success. Today’s transition is seamless and natural because we are promoting from within to ensure our continuity.  Bill and I share the same values and have created a company culture that will outlast the both of us.”