EXECUTIVE SHUFFLES: Dawson Rutter, CEO of Commonwealth Chauffeured Transportation in Boston, said today that the recent departure of his consultant and senior advisor, Larry Moulter, to head Boston Coach is a positive development and that the two executives remain longtime friends.
BostonCoach, the fourth largest chauffeured transportation company in the U.S., announced Friday it had hired Moulter as its new CEO, succeeding Jonathan Danforth, who departed in January, and COO Mark Munoz, who has served as interim CEO.
Rutter spoke while vacationing on a beach near Cape May, N.J.
"Larry and I have been good friends for 10 years or more, and we continue to be good friends. This is not something I’m threatened by. Larry is a very honorable and respectable businessman."
"I have no issues at all with him gong to BostonCoach. It's a good move for him; a good move for Boston Coach."
Moulter joined Commonwealth, the 16th largest chauffeured transportation company in the U.S., in 2003, and has worked since then as a management consultant and adviser. Rutter clarified several points about Moulter:
1) Moulter was not chief financial officer of Commonwealth; he worked as an independent contractor, and was not a salaried executive
2) Moulter resigned voluntarily, and was not forced out
3) Commonwealth does not use non-compete clauses in contracts with its executives or consultants
Rutter said Moulter's leadership at BostonCoach will help boost the industry and set a positive tone. "There's been too much fear and too much animosity between leaders of the large companies in this industry. Larry and I can be good role models for this industry and work together and promote what is best for this industry, and not be threatened by other operators."
Commonwealth became Boston Coach's first affiliate in 1988, Rutter said, and the business connection continued until BostonCoach ended it in 2002. With two amicable executives now heading both companies, there is potential for renewed cooperation, he said.
-- posted by Martin Romjue, LCT Editor
Print | posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008 11:05 AM