UniGroup, C.A., the owner of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, has announced the appointment of John Hartmann as president and chief executive officer.
Hartmann will take up the role of leading the St. Louis-headquartered moving giant effective July 13, 2026, and will succeed Kevin Krakora following a two-year engagement. An industry outsider, Hartmann’s previous leadership roles include chief executive officer of Ascend Wellness, True Value Company, and Mitre 10, as well as chief operating officer of Bed Bath & Beyond and president of buybuy Baby. UniGroup said that his experience on a number of public and private consumer-facing company boards will be relevant to this new role.
“John brings extensive leadership experience, a proven ability to drive performance and a deep appreciation for the cooperative model,” said Gary Quintalino, chairman of UniGroup’s Board of Directors. “We are excited to welcome him to UniGroup and look forward to working together to advance our strategy, strengthen Member profitability and growth, and accelerate UniGroup’s position as an industry leader.”
IAM Member Impact: For IAM members that are also agents of UniGroup brands, the appointment of Hartmann may be a net positive signal that UniGroup has moved past its most acute financial and strategic uncertainty.
Source: UniGroup Press Release