#United States #Houston #Transportation #Gulf Winds #Sam Freni

Sam Freni Takes Charge as CEO of Gulf Winds International

Gulf Winds International, a leader in transportation and logistics, has officially named Sam Freni as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2025. The appointment follows an illustrious tenure where Sam significantly contributed to the company’s operations while serving as the Chief Operations Officer. Sam is recognized for his strategic vision and operational expertise within the industry, qualities that the Board of Directors believe position him well to lead Gulf Winds into a new phase of growth.

Meghan Leggett, the Managing Director at The Sterling Group, expressed confidence in Sam’s ability to deliver results, stating, “We are thrilled to announce Sam as our next CEO. He brings the strategic clarity and operational rigor that is essential for our next steps.” This sentiment reflects the Board's broad confidence that Freni's leadership will substantially enhance the company's market position and benefit both customers and shareholders alike.

In his statement regarding the promotion, Sam expressed immense respect for Gulf Winds, describing it as an “iconic company” with vast opportunities to redefine its operations to better serve clients and enhance shareholder value. As he embarks on this new journey, he promises to leverage innovative solutions to drive growth and improve service quality, emphasizing his commitment to excellence throughout the transition period.

Sam's background includes a robust career in logistics and operations management. Before joining Gulf Winds, he held pivotal roles such as the Executive Vice President at Stevens Transport and the Vice President of Logistics at Echo Global. His multifaceted experience in these previous positions has equipped him with the insight and knowledge necessary to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the transportation industry.

Gulf Winds International prides itself on being a premier provider of integrated drayage, transloading, warehousing, and transportation solutions. With strategically positioned terminals across vital locations such as Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Mobile, Memphis, Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk, and Baltimore, the company is poised to deliver scalable, solution-driven logistics. This operational reach empowers clients to streamline their processes, optimize performance, and ultimately achieve sustainable growth.

As Gulf Winds steps into this exciting phase under Sam Freni's leadership, both industry insiders and clients alike are keenly watching how innovative strategies will shape the company's future. With advances in digital logistics and operational efficiencies being at the forefront of current industry trends, Sam’s appointment could not be more timely. His deep understanding of transportation logistics serves as a promising foundation for Gulf Winds to continue expanding its influence and operational capabilities.

In summary, the appointment of Sam Freni as the new CEO of Gulf Winds International marks a significant investment in forward-thinking leadership. The company is on the brink of an evolutionary change that seeks to reinforce its commitment to delivering unparalleled service in the transportation sector. As they embark on this new journey together, both Sam and Gulf Winds are prepared to embrace fresh challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.