Chief Strategy Officer, Optym
Chris Torrence serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Optym, Inc. Torrence possesses over 20 years of vast and equally diverse experience within the commercial logistics, transportation, and supply chain solutions industry. From the US military to industry-leading incumbents and hyper-growth start-ups, he has worn virtually every functional hat imaginable within the space. He fundamentally believes the ability to harmonize human capital with advanced technology is paramount for success in the modern day freight ecosystem.
Prior to joining Optym, Chris proudly served in the United States Air Force with three wartime tours of duty under his belt. While on active-duty, he was charged with overseeing logistics readiness, joint task force operations, and installation deployment planning for the Department of Defense. Following his military service, Chris spent over a decade at global 3PL behemoth, C.H. Robinson, primarily with the TMC division whereby he was selected to work onsite managing the complex logistical needs for multinational Fortune 100 shippers. This unique exposure equipped him with the ability to truly understand the intricacies of enterprise supply chains from multiple vantage points.
Chris was later tapped to help orchestrate the launching of Uber Freight, to include the autonomous truck program as part of Uber's Advanced Technologies Group. He subsequently led global expansion efforts at premier SaaS visibility provider, FourKites, Inc., before becoming a senior executive at Arrive Logistics, one of the fastest growing freight brokerages in the United States. Most recently, Chris led strategic sales and go-to-market strategy for Optimal Dynamics, a Princeton University spinoff specializing in advanced AI and sequential decision analytics within the trucking sector. During his three year tenure at OD, Chris personally generated over 80% of the organization's total revenue (ARR/TCV). He was also a critical piece in securing north of $56 million in VC funding.
Chris Torrence's combination of industry knowledge, leadership success, strategic vision, and passion for innovation makes him a compelling and influential speaker for transportation and logistics media and events. His insights into the intersection of technology, AI, and logistics are invaluable for audiences keen on navigating the complexities of the modern-day freight ecosystem.
Chris Torrence's unique combination of military service and success within logistics startups positions him as a speaker with a distinctive perspective, blending the discipline and leadership cultivated in the US Air Force with the entrepreneurial spirit required in the logistics and transportation industry. His insights are likely to resonate with diverse audiences, offering a rich blend of strategic thinking, adaptability, and inspiring leadership stories.
