Leadership Views: Diego Anchustegui, EASO

Name: Diego Anchustegui

Position: Chief Commercial and Operating Officer

Company: EASO / ZigZag Logistics

President AMTI (Mexican Intermodal Association)

• First, where are you in the world? And tell us a bit about your background and how you chose your career path.

I live in Mexico City, where the headquarters of EASO (ZigZag Logistics) are located. My interest in logistics stems from my family background, as my grandfather and father both built successful trucking companies. My grandfather started at a young age as a truck driver. I grew up in the trucking industry and started working in logistics at a young age. I gained experience through internships at various trucking companies in the U.S., and eventually returned to EASO where I started our Intermodal 53ft division. EASO is now a leading Mexican Intermodal provider, managing over 1,000 cross-border containers between the U.S. and Mexico and over 10,000 monthly shipments. EASO is turning 50 years in great shape. It is a privilege and great honor to improve the family legacy.

I was recently appointed as the youngest-ever President of the Mexican Intermodal Association (AMTI), where I represent the interests of the intermodal industry in Mexico. Being a leader means not only leading your company, but also considering the interests of others. This is essential to my leadership because it taught me that by growing the industry and fighting for the interests of others at the end is beneficial for everyone. Being a leader is not only about fighting for your need, sometimes you have to lead into a direction that is not comfortable.

• What is the biggest challenge you have faced or are facing in your current role and what steps did/are you taking to solve it? 

The hardest challenge was leading the company during the start of the pandemic. I had to mature as a leader and adapt to the rapidly changing situation. I created a plan to ensure the safety of my team and to support the company financially. Changing the plan throughout the pandemic to adapt to the changing situation was definitely challenging.

The biggest challenge in the Mexican Intermodal Association (AMTI) is to bring together key players in Mexican logistics to work towards the common goal of promoting intermodal transportation. It can be difficult to balance the interests of different partners while also focusing on what is best for the industry and the association.

• Are there any technological advancements or projects within EASO, or within the industry, that you are excited about?

EASO is the first Mexican trucking company to heavily invest in Intermodal. With three different divisions - Domestic Cross Border, Intra Mexico, and International Intermodal - EASO is poised for growth and expansion in the Intermodal sector. The challenge of opening new lanes and expanding operations is exciting, and I am eager to lead the charge in making EASO a global player in Intermodal logistics. As a leader, I am driven to find innovative solutions for specific logistics problems, not only within EASO but also for our clients on a global scale. I am excited about the future of Intermodal logistics and the impact it can have on the industry. EASO is also at the forefront of exploring alternative fuels for a cleaner transportation future. Currently, we are testing CNG and LNG units within our Intermodal division, and I am hopeful that these units will play a significant role in our transition to a cleaner fleet. Overall, the future of Intermodal logistics is bright, and I am confident that EASO will continue to lead the way with its investments in technology, alternative fuels, and global expansion.

• How did you become involved with the board of the Transportation & Supply Chain Institute (TSCI)? What drew you to this partnership and why has it been important for you to stay involved?

As an Alumnus of Cohort 16 at TSCI, I have always maintained strong connections with the leaders in the Logistics field. I have had the opportunity to keep in touch with Logistics icons like Adriene Bailey, Partner at Oliver Wyman, and have found that the University remains a valuable source of knowledge and expertise in the Logistics world. As I continue to grow within the Intermodal Association, I have been seeking ways to connect with the University to further promote and advance the Logistics program in Mexico. Through these connections and collaborations, I hope to bring innovative and effective solutions to the challenges faced by the Logistics industry and contribute to its continued growth and success.

• What’s a unique thing about your organization that most people don’t know?

EASO is not an acronym for anything, EASO is the name of the town that my grandfather is from, in San Sebastian, Spain.

• Finish this sentence:  Leadership is … "all about influencing and leading a group of people to follow a common goal."