Major Queensland based transport operator, Followmont has announced a significant milestone for its leadership team, with CEO for the past 12 years, Mark Tobin, set to transition to the role of managing director.
Followmont Transport says that the move marks a pivotal time in its history, and that it reinforces the company’s commitment to growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional service to its customers.
“Our customers and team members remain at the heart of everything we do, and I look forward to steering Followmont as we continue to go from strength to strength,” said Mark Tobin.
Under Tobin’s leadership, Followmont said it has solidified its position as a trusted and values-driven family business, expanding its fleet, network footprint, building strong customer relationships, and embracing innovation.
The company says his leadership has guided the company through significant growth and key milestones, including investments in sustainability, training and development, and safety initiatives, while maintaining the highest levels of service excellence.
Tobin’s journey with Followmont began at the age of 16, when he stepped into the family run business, eager to learn and contribute. Tobin started in operations, and under the guidance of his father, Bernie Tobin, he quickly developed a deep understanding of the transport industry. Over the years, Mark worked his way through the ranks, gaining invaluable experience in every facet of Followmont.
According to the company Tobin’s grounded knowledge became the foundation of his leadership style, giving him a unique perspective that resonated with the entire team.
“Every decision I’ve made as CEO has been driven by my passion for our people and their growth, and our strength has always been in our team, and I am committed to nurturing that as we move forward together.” said Tobin.
In his role as managing director, Tobin says he \ will continue to focus on driving Followmont’s strategic evolution. He said this will include innovation, mergers and acquisitions, embracing cutting-edge technology, and enhancing the customer experience, all while ensuring that the company remains true to its family-oriented values.
Tobin’s transition will see chief operating officer, Ross Longmire, step up as the new CEO, bringing his operational expertise and passion for excellence to the role. according to Followmont
The company says that Ross Longmire has an extensive and successful career in transport and is highly regarded by Tobin as one of the most skilled operational leaders he has encountered.
“Ross is the ideal choice to lead Followmont, and his steady, thoughtful approach and deep care for our people will ensure we remain a company that values family and quality in everything we do. This decision has been years in the making and something that we have not taken lightly and I identified Ross for the CEO role and have been working alongside him and planning for this transition,” added Tobin.
Longmire brings more than 25 years’ industry experience, holding primarily operational management positions overseeing transport and logistics requirements in a number of different states and business units. As a Board Member of the Queensland Trucking Association, and previous representative for other industry councils, he is deeply committed to the success of the industry.
According to Followmont Longmire is passionate about driving smarter, safer operations and fostering growth alongside customers, making the transport sector a more attractive place to work with strong career opportunities.
For Longmire, the family-oriented culture at Followmont is what sets the business apart from its competitors.
“From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew this was an incredible workplace, the sense of community and genuine care here is unmatched, and I am committed to preserving and strengthening that as CEO,” said Longmire.
“I want to focus on maintaining the supportive environment where employees care for one another and strive to succeed together because this sense of belonging is what makes Followmont a truly special place to work,” he said.
the company says that Longmire and Tobin’s exceptional working relationship, built on mutual respect and shared goals, ensures a seamless leadership transition.
Followmont Transport says it is well-positioned to continue delivering industry-leading solutions and services, while remaining deeply rooted in the values that have made the company a success.
It added that the collaborative leadership between Tobin and Longmire ensures that Followmont will continue to grow, innovate, and maintain the strong family feel that has always been its cornerstone.