CLEVELAND, Ohio — World Group, the privately held, family-owned parent company of ContainerPort Group (CPG), UWL, and World Shipping announced that Jess Hunger has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1. A third-generation member of the family, Jess will set World Group’s long-term strategy and direction as the company continues to focus on growing its core businesses of drayage, ocean and air transportation, customs brokerage, and vessel husbandry.
The appointment reinforces World Group’s longstanding commitment to remaining family-owned and run and builds on the active role the third generation already plays in leading the business. For customers, this means steady leadership, decisions made for the long-term, and relationships built on personal accountability.
“For more than 65 years, our family’s mission has focused on building a company that thrives into perpetuity and becoming our customers’ provider of choice in the global supply chain,” said Fred Hunger, Executive Chairman of World Group. “That starts with our people—the drivers and employees across our businesses whose expertise, care and commitment keep our customers’ freight moving every day. Jess is stepping into the CEO role with Emily and Jack leading alongside him, supported by exceptional industry leaders across our operating companies. Together, we have the right team to carry our mission forward and continue delivering for customers over the long haul.”
A Next-Generation Leadership Team Built on Complementary Strengths
Jess leads alongside fellow third-generation members Emily Hunger and Jack Hunger. Emily, Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Marketing, leads people, culture, marketing and communications across World Group. Jack, Senior Vice President of CPG Commercial, leads CPG’s commercial organization, including sales and customer relationships.
Together, the third generation’s active leadership roles mean the family behind World Group is shaping the organization’s future across its strategic direction, the culture employees experience, and the relationships customers rely on. For employees, that means a workplace shaped by owners invested in the long-term legacy and impact. For customers, it means a partner whose commitments are backed by ownership itself.
“Taking on this role is both an incredible honor and responsibility to the people who built this company and the customers who trust us,” said Jess Hunger. “Emily, Jack and I each bring unique strengths to the future, and together, we’ll support the best-in-class leaders running our businesses and make sure World Group keeps growing the right way: focused, disciplined and customer-first.”
Strong Operating Companies, Led by Proven Industry Leaders
World Group’s operating companies are led by seasoned presidents with a clear focus on innovation, customer service, and growth:
What connects the family and these leaders is a shared set of core values and a shared belief in what makes World Group different. Decisions are made with the next decade in mind, not the next quarter. Customers work with leaders who have the authority to act and the accountability to follow through. That alignment between ownership and leadership is something few companies in the industry can offer.
About World Group
World Group is a family-owned transportation and logistics company which was founded by Jack E. Hunger more than 65 years ago. Through its operating companies, including CPG, UWL, and World Shipping, Inc it provides ocean transportation, drayage, and vessel husbandry services. Now led by its third generation, World Group pairs the scale and expertise of a national logistics provider with the long-term commitment and personal service of a family business.
Media Contact: Kellie Lynch (Kellie.Lynch@worldgrouplogistics.com)
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