ABC Companies Names New CEO, Announces Promotions Within Senior Management Team

Roman Cornell

ABC Companies, a provider of motorcoach, transit and specialty passenger transport equipment and electric mobility solutions in the USA and Canada, has announced several promotions to enhance its senior management team:

• Roman Cornell, to ABC Companies Chief Executive Officer;
• Dane Cornell, to ABC Companies Board of Directors Executive Chairman;
• Chuck Carns, ABC Companies CFO, joins ABC Companies Board of Directors; and,
• John Gillis, to Executive Vice President, ABC Companies Parts Source.

Dane Cornell

“Dane Cornell has successfully led ABC Companies, serving innumerable executive posts and as CEO. Steering the company’s executive leadership team, Dane has developed executive talent with a focus on upholding the company’s core values and sustained profitability. He will continue to mentor leadership and support the business through continuing contributions and oversight as the Executive Chairman of the ABC Board,” according to a press release. “Roman Cornell has served in a variety of regional and corporate positions for the past 31 years with the company. Roman brings unprecedented knowledge of the organization and industry with an emphasis on customer relationships, senior team leadership, sales, operations, and administration to his new CEO role. Most recently serving as President and Chief Commercial Officer, Roman has been the driving force as ABC has expanded its product portfolio to diversify into new markets, including zero emissions, while building on the core motorcoach industry.

John Gillis

“Chuck Carns serves as the Chief Financial Officer of ABC Companies. This critical role and his contributions have been instrumental as ABC has emerged from a challenging economy while investing in and entering new markets. Carns’ appointment to the ABC Companies Board of Directors brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the industry.

“John Gillis joined ABC Companies in 2000, holding numerous roles within the ABC Part Source business division. Under his leadership, ABC Parts Source now services over 700 transit authorities and more than 2,500 private coach operators. As Executive Vice President, Gillis oversees seven warehouse facilities in the U.S. and Canada along with all sales, inventory, procurement, logistics and customer support activities.”

These recent promotions follow the company’s history of leveraging its internal talent, while injecting outside expertise to advance its market leadership position and enhance growth strategies built on a customer-focused business model and a family-focused culture. Despite the challenges of recent economic cycles, ABC Companies continues to see positive trends in the industry.

Chuck Carns

“Roman has confidently moved toward his new role, even while working through an unprecedented business environment,” Dane Cornell, ABC Companies Board of Directors Executive Chairman, said. “He’s truly earned this new position and it has been a long time coming. His knowledge of the industry, unwavering passion, commitment, and vision for moving our business and customers forward into the future can already be seen in the ABC Companies of today. We are proud to see growth and commitment in all areas of our executive leadership, and I look forward to supporting them as they transition into their new and expanded roles.”

Roman Cornell’s CEO appointment marks ABC Companies’ third generation of Cornell family business leadership. Ryhan Cornell and Ashley Cornell, also third generation Cornell’s, are growing leaders in their roles and are now joined by Isaac Cornell, from the 4th generation, all actively participating in the family-owned and managed business.

“I’m honored and humbled to build on the strong foundation built by my grandfather, father and uncle and look forward to continued growth as we diversify across markets to ensure a strong future,” Roman Cornell said. “Our customers’ needs will always be our first priority, and have been central to ABC’s rapid portfolio expansion and business diversification. Providing best-in-class products and services to support and drive the future of passenger ground transportation will always drive our core mission.”

Visit www.abc-companies.com.