ECS Group has appointed Eric St Amand as Chief Operating Officer Americas, strengthening its senior leadership team as the organisation continues to expand its activities across the region.
St Amand brings more than 27 years of international experience in supply chain management, transportation and logistics. In his new position, he will lead ECS Group’s operations throughout the Americas, working closely with its regional teams, airline partners and wider commercial network to support continued growth and operational development.
His appointment forms part of ECS Group’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership structure in the Americas and ensuring that the business is positioned to respond to changing airline requirements, evolving cargo markets and new opportunities across North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.
St Amand has held senior executive positions involving operational leadership, profit and loss responsibility, commercial development and business transformation. Before taking up his new role, he served as Americas Vice President and President of Geodis Supply Chain Optimization, USA. He previously held a number of executive leadership roles at IBM.
During his career, St Amand has managed complex operations and growth programmes across the Americas, while also completing international assignments in Europe, Asia and Latin America. His broad geographical experience and understanding of global supply chains will support ECS Group’s strategy of combining strong local market expertise with the scale, resources and digital capabilities of an international organisation.
Jean Ceccaldi, Chief Executive Officer of ECS Group, said: “Eric’s appointment represents an important step in the continued development of our business across the Americas. He brings an impressive combination of operational expertise, commercial understanding and international leadership experience. His background in managing complex organisations and delivering sustainable growth will be highly valuable as we strengthen our position in the region.
“The Americas offer considerable opportunities for ECS Group and our airline partners. Eric will work with our talented local teams to build on the foundations already in place, improve operational performance and identify new areas in which we can create value for our customers.”
St Amand is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and served as a Logistics Officer in the US Army. He has also completed executive education programmes at ESCP Europe and Harvard Business School.
Eric St Amand, Chief Operating Officer Americas at ECS Group, said: “I am delighted to join ECS Group at an important stage in its development. The Group has built a strong international reputation through its entrepreneurial culture, specialist cargo knowledge and commitment to innovation.
“My priority will be to work closely with colleagues across the Americas to support our airline partners, strengthen operational excellence and develop the next phase of regional growth. The Americas are diverse and fast-moving markets, requiring both local expertise and a coordinated international approach. ECS Group is well placed to provide that combination and I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”
As part of the leadership transition, Paco Ortega will remain based in Miami and will work alongside St Amand during the coming month to ensure a smooth handover. Ortega’s role will then evolve towards a greater focus on strategic projects for ECS Group, allowing the organisation to continue benefiting from his regional knowledge, customer relationships and senior management experience.
Ceccaldi added: “We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Paco for his commitment and leadership over the past two years. As Regional Manager, he successfully assumed the combined responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer, providing stability and direction during an important period for the business.
“Paco will continue to make a valuable contribution to ECS Group through his involvement in strategic projects across the Americas and the wider Group. His experience and understanding of our organisation will remain an important asset as we pursue our long-term ambitions.”
The appointment is effective immediately.