Saia Announces Retirement of CIO Rohit Lal and Appointment of Successor Tarak Patel
Rhea-AI Summary
Saia (NASDAQ: SAIA) announced on October 22, 2025 that Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer Rohit Lal will retire after eight years with the company and will remain as an advisor through Q1 2026.
Saia named Tarak Patel as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer effective immediately; Patel joins from Smurfit WestRock and previously held technology leadership roles at E. & J. Gallo Winery and Henkel. The release highlights Patel's experience leading digital transformation and Saia's national LTL network of 213 terminals.
Positive
- Successor Tarak Patel named effective immediately
- Rohit Lal will advise through Q1 2026 to support transition
- New CIO brings global digital transformation experience from Smurfit WestRock
Negative
- Departure of CIO after 8 years creates a leadership change risk
- Transition may challenge continuity of recent IT initiatives during handover
News Market Reaction 21 Alerts
On the day this news was published, SAIA declined 2.89%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction. Our momentum scanner triggered 21 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $234M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $7.85B at that time.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
JOHNS CREEK, Ga., Oct. 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saia, Inc. (Nasdaq: SAIA), a leading transportation provider offering national less-than-truckload (LTL), non-asset truckload, expedited and logistics services, today announced that Rohit Lal, Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, will retire after eight years with the Company. Saia also announced that Tarak Patel has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, effective immediately.
“Rohit has been an integral part of our organization, and under his guidance, both he and his team have reached new heights,” said Fritz Holzgrefe, Saia’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “His leadership has left a lasting impact, and we are grateful for his many contributions and accomplishments over the years.”
Mr. Lal joined Saia in 2017 and has played a pivotal role in advancing the Company’s digital capabilities and IT infrastructure. To ensure a smooth transition, he will remain with the Company as an advisor until the first quarter of 2026.
Succeeding Lal as the Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Tarak Patel brings extensive experience leading technology and digital transformation initiatives across global organizations. Mr. Patel joins Saia from Smurfit WestRock, where he served as CIO of the Consumer Packaging & Machinery Division and led a worldwide transformation of processes, technologies, and operating models. His career also includes leadership roles at E. & J. Gallo Winery and Henkel, where he spearheaded enterprise-wide technology initiatives and large-scale supply chain integrations. Mr. Patel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from the University of California, San Diego.
“I am excited to add Tarak to our team,” said Holzgrefe. “He is an experienced IT executive and transformative business leader with a proven record of success in driving digital transformation, building high-performing teams, and delivering substantial business value.”
Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ: SAIA) offers customers a wide range of less-than-truckload, non-asset truckload, expedited and logistics services. With headquarters in Georgia, Saia LTL Freight operates 213 terminals with national service. For more information on Saia, Inc. visit the Investor Relations section at www.saia.com/about-us/investor-relations.
| CONTACT: | Saia, Inc. Attn: Investor Relations 11465 Johns Creek Parkway, Suite 400 Johns Creek, GA 30097 678-542-3910 Investors@saia.com |
FAQ
Who is the new CIO of Saia (SAIA) and when is the appointment effective?
When will Rohit Lal officially leave Saia and what is his role during transition?
What relevant experience does Tarak Patel bring to Saia (SAIA)?
How does the Saia (SAIA) announcement affect IT leadership continuity?
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