Doug Phillips, a former leader at Syringa Networks, has moved into the role of chief executive officer at Rand McNally, assuming the role soon after the recent acquisition of Safety Direct, a leader in onboard sensory hardware and software.

“With the recent acquisition of Safety Direct, Rand McNally has the best devices, software, and data collection capabilities on the market today. I’m looking forward to bringing these assets together to help commercial fleets operate efficiently – and drivers return home safely,” Phillips said.

Rand McNally said Phillips brings to Rand McNally a 30-year track record of leadership and success in various international businesses, notably in the commercial vehicle, industrial, and technology sectors. His expertise across all corporate operations, including sales, distribution, operations, and mergers and acquisitions, will be invaluable as the company continues to expand its market presence and product offerings.

“Rand McNally is a company with a long, proud heritage and even more exciting future,” said Kevin Hatch, Rand McNally Chairman. “Doug has all the skills and experience necessary to accelerate the company’s growth and execute our vision for its future. Even more important, he has a well-established record of success with large corporations undergoing major transformation.”

Phillips Brings Technology Innovation Experience

Most recently, Phillips has proven his exceptional leadership skills as the CEO of Syringa Networks in Boise, where he has been instrumental in driving revenue growth and technology innovation.

As CEO of ECCO Safety Group, he executed a global facility consolidation that lowered overhead, increased efficiency, and led to dramatically higher margins. His expertise in large-scale mergers was showcased during his tenure as COO through the successful $1.1 billion integration that followed Ericsson’s acquisition of Cradlepoint.

Phillips Also Has Commercial Vehicle Experience

Of special interest to Rand McNally and its partners is Phillips’ experience in the commercial vehicle space, where the Ford Motor Company, Daimler Truck, Paccar, and a host of other industry leaders have been among his OEM customers. His unique blend of engineering, manufacturing, and business skills helped him develop deep insight into their distinct needs and adapt company processes to serve them better.

Naval Academy Graduate with MBA

With a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA from Pennsylvania State University, Mr. Phillips's academic background complements his professional expertise. His experience includes multiple corporate functions in the transportation and technology sectors, including many roles with P&L responsibilities. 

The company said that this background, coupled with his service as a US Naval officer, has equipped him with a unique blend of experience and leadership skills that align well with Rand McNally’s evolving focus.