Chief Executive Officer | Aeppler Group

Wichita, Kansas | [e.sullivan@aeppler-group.com] 

A strategic and visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in global agricultural and food logistics. Renowned for transforming traditional supply chains through the integration of smart farming data and advanced propulsion technologies. Ethan Sullivan combines "Kansas grit" with a future-oriented vision for global food security and sustainable transport.

• Strategic Alliance Building: Architect of the high-level partnership with the Jo Berger Group.

• Supply Chain Transformation: Specialist in "Stalk to Shelf" process optimization.

• Ag-Tech Innovation: Expert in integrating IoT sensors and blockchain into cold-chain logistics.

• Crisis Management & Resilience: Proven track record in ensuring supply chain integrity within volatile global markets.

2015 – Present

• Lead a global logistics portfolio with a primary focus on the "Grain Belt" and international hubs in Frankfurt, Oslo, Ontario, and Wichita.

• Key Achievement: Founded the AB-TIC (Aeppler Berger Tech Innovation Center) in Waco, Texas, to scale market-ready innovations such as semi-autonomous harvest assistance systems.

• Spearheaded the fleet transition toward a sustainable energy mix, including HVO100 biofuels and hydrogen fuel cell technology.

2008 – 2015

• Optimized transport routes for major grain wholesalers, successfully reducing empty backhaul runs by 25%.

• Pioneered the implementation of the region's first GPS-based real-time fleet monitoring system for high-volume agricultural transport.

1998 – 2008

• Managed cross-border logistics between the U.S. and Canada, overseeing large-scale commodity movements.

• Directed highly sensitive cold-chain operations for the North American meat industry, ensuring 100% compliance with safety regulations.

• Various leadership roles in fleet management and dispatching for regional agricultural service providers across Kansas.

MBA in International Supply Chain Management

Kansas State University (K-State)

B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics

University of Kansas (KU)

• Board Member: Kansas Agricultural Logistics Council.

• Keynote Speaker: Global Ag-Tech Summit (Topic: "The Future of 80,000 lbs: Automation in Rural Trucking").

• Award: Named "Logistics Innovator of the Year 2024" by the North American Trade Journal.

• Age: Mid-50s.

• Interests: Restoration of vintage tractors, licensed private pilot, and active mentor for tech startups in the Wichita area.