Forward Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Forward has 9 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, agile project management, information technology, corporate transformation, legal compliance, human resources, and regional logistics operations.

Focused on delivering time-definite freight solutions, Forward maintains a commitment to operational excellence and reliable service across the North American logistics landscape.

Leadership Roles at Forward

  • Chief Financial Officer - Jamie Pierson
  • President (US, Canada) - Timothy Osborne
  • President - Dennis Munson
  • President, -Pacific (Asia) - Joanna Zhu
  • SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer) - Shelah Mabeus
  • Interim Chief Information Officer - Jason Ringgenberg
  • Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Transformation - Karl Khambatta
  • Chief Legal Officer - Michael Hance
  • Chief People Officer - Doug Smith
  • Jamie Pierson - Chief Financial Officer

    Jamie Pierson, the Chief Financial Officer at Forward, directs all fiscal planning and capital allocation strategies. Managing the financial health of the organization, the Chief Financial Officer oversees budgeting, forecasting, and investor relations to ensure long-term stability. This leadership role involves rigorous analysis of the asset-light model to maximize profitability within the expedited LTL industry. By optimizing capital structures and monitoring cash flow, Jamie Pierson directly impacts the ability of the company to scale operations effectively. Pierson maintains strict oversight of financial reporting standards, ensuring transparency for stakeholders while supporting the broader growth objectives of the enterprise. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for sustained market competitiveness and operational agility in the demanding freight transportation sector.

    Timothy Osborne - President (US, Canada)

    Timothy Osborne, the President (US, Canada) at Forward, directs regional operations and market growth across North America. Overseeing the execution of the asset-light model, the President (US, Canada) ensures that ground transportation services meet the time-definite requirements of customers in these key markets. This leadership role involves managing the logistics network to optimize freight flow and service reliability. By driving regional initiatives, Timothy Osborne expands the market presence of the company among freight forwarders and logistics partners. Osborne coordinates with other executives to ensure that operational strategies support the overall mission of the organization. Through the management of regional performance, the President (US, Canada) secures the competitive advantage of the company in the North American freight industry, focusing on efficiency and customer satisfaction to drive long-term success.

    Dennis Munson - President

    Dennis Munson, the President at Forward, directs the overarching operational strategy and business development efforts. Overseeing the core logistics services, the President ensures that the company maintains its reputation for reliable, time-definite freight delivery. This leadership role involves guiding the organization through market shifts and optimizing the asset-light model to maximize value for customers. By setting strategic priorities, Dennis Munson drives the growth of the company and strengthens relationships with key logistics partners. Munson collaborates with the executive team to ensure that all departments work in harmony to achieve corporate objectives. Through the management of daily operations and long-term planning, the President supports the mission of the organization, ensuring that the company remains a leader in the expedited LTL industry while delivering consistent results across the entire network.
    Dennis Munson

    Joanna Zhu - President, -Pacific (Asia)

    Joanna Zhu, the President, -Pacific (Asia) at Forward, directs international operations and strategic expansion within the Asian market. Overseeing the integration of regional logistics capabilities, the President, -Pacific (Asia) ensures that the company effectively serves global freight forwarders and airlines operating in the region. This leadership role involves developing partnerships that extend the reach of the asset-light model into international trade lanes. By driving growth initiatives, Joanna Zhu enhances the ability of the company to provide seamless, time-definite freight solutions on a global scale. Zhu coordinates with the executive team to align regional activities with the broader corporate mission. Through the management of operations in the Pacific, the President, -Pacific (Asia) strengthens the international footprint of the organization, ensuring that the company remains a critical link in the global supply chain.

    Shelah Mabeus - SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer)

    Shelah Mabeus, the SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer) at Forward, architects the framework for enterprise-wide project delivery. Overseeing the integration of agile methodologies, the SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer) ensures that technical initiatives align with the core mission of providing time-definite freight services. This leadership role involves streamlining cross-functional workflows to accelerate the deployment of logistics software and infrastructure improvements. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Shelah Mabeus drives efficiency across the IT organization. Mabeus manages the project management office to prioritize high-impact initiatives that support the asset-light business model. Through the implementation of scalable agile practices, the SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer) enhances the responsiveness of the company to evolving market demands.

    Jason Ringgenberg - Interim Chief Information Officer

    Jason Ringgenberg, the Interim Chief Information Officer at Forward, directs the technological roadmap and digital infrastructure strategy. Overseeing the modernization of logistics platforms, the Interim Chief Information Officer ensures that data systems support the complex requirements of freight forwarders and logistics partners. This leadership role involves securing network integrity and optimizing the digital tools that facilitate reliable, time-definite delivery. By leveraging advanced analytics, Jason Ringgenberg improves visibility across the supply chain, directly impacting operational efficiency. Ringgenberg collaborates with other C-suite leaders to integrate technology into the core business model, ensuring that digital capabilities remain a competitive advantage. Through the management of IT resources, the Interim Chief Information Officer drives innovation, enabling the company to maintain high service standards while navigating the technical challenges inherent in the expedited LTL industry.

    Karl Khambatta - Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Transformation

    Karl Khambatta, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Transformation at Forward, executes strategic initiatives designed to optimize organizational performance. Overseeing the alignment of business units with the overarching corporate mission, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Transformation drives the implementation of large-scale change programs. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to refine the asset-light model and improve service delivery for logistics customers. By identifying operational bottlenecks, Karl Khambatta facilitates improvements that enhance overall productivity. Khambatta works closely with the executive team to translate high-level strategy into actionable plans that support growth and market expansion. Through the management of transformation projects, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Transformation ensures that the company remains agile and responsive to the needs of the freight industry, ultimately strengthening the competitive position of the organization.
    Michael Hance, the Chief Legal Officer at Forward, directs all legal affairs, regulatory compliance, and risk management strategies. Overseeing the legal framework for transportation operations, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that the company adheres to industry standards while protecting corporate interests. This leadership role involves managing complex contracts with freight forwarders and logistics partners to support the asset-light business model. By mitigating legal risks, Michael Hance provides the stability required for consistent, time-definite freight delivery. Hance advises the Board and executive team on governance matters, ensuring that all strategic decisions align with legal requirements. Through the oversight of litigation and compliance programs, the Chief Legal Officer safeguards the reputation of the company. Hance maintains a focus on regulatory developments, enabling the organization to navigate the legal landscape of the North American transportation market with confidence.
    Michael Hance

    Doug Smith - Chief People Officer

    Doug Smith, the Chief People Officer at Forward, directs human capital strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational development. Overseeing the workforce that powers the logistics network, the Chief People Officer ensures that the company attracts and retains the talent necessary for reliable freight delivery. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of safety and performance that aligns with the mission of the organization. By implementing training programs and performance management systems, Doug Smith drives employee engagement and operational excellence. Smith collaborates with leadership to align human resources initiatives with the broader business goals of the company. Through the management of talent pipelines, the Chief People Officer supports the growth of the enterprise, ensuring that the workforce remains capable of meeting the demands of the expedited LTL industry across the North American region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Forward Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Forward?
    Forward is led by Jamie Pierson (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Timothy Osborne (President (US, Canada)) and Dennis Munson (President).
    Who is part of Forward’s executive team?
    The executive team of Forward includes leaders such as Jamie Pierson (Chief Financial Officer), Timothy Osborne (President (US, Canada)), Dennis Munson (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Forward have?
    Forward has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Forward’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Forward includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President (US, Canada), President, President, -Pacific (Asia), SAFe Implementer and Agile PMO Executive (Office of Chief Information Officer).