Outstanding Industrial Technologist - 1997

Thomas Hjertquist, as Director of Asset Management for Ryder PLC - United Kingdom, is responsible for providing strategic and operational direction of Ryder activities for the Treasury Department, Contract Administration, and Facilities Management for this $320 million International Division.

Mr. Hjertquist has experienced 20 years of increased responsibility in the highway transportation industry. He joined Cummins Engine Company upon graduation and rapidly progressed to a position as National Accounts Manager responsible for administering a major segment of Cummins Distributors. Later at Leaseway Transportation he was Director of Fleet Management where he introduced a system of standards and controls resulting in the significant reduction of operating costs. For the past decade Mr. Hjertquist has held management and executive positions at Ryder Truck Rental culminating in his present appointment.

Mr. Hjertquist earned a B.S. degree with distinction in Industrial Technology from Purdue University in 1976.