Peter Appel to Head Research and Innovative Technology Administration at U.S. Department of Transportation

29 April 2009 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) — The United States Senate today confirmed President Barack Obama’s nomination of Peter H. Appel, a Virginia-based principal with global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, to serve as Administrator of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation.  RITA coordinates the Department of Transportation’s research programs and is charged with advancing the deployment of cross-cutting technologies to improve the country’s transportation system.  

Appel joined A.T. Kearney in 1997 and has more than 20 years of experience in the transportation industry.  He has led business improvement initiatives for clients in the private and public sectors, with a focus on transportation and infrastructure.  He has assisted companies in the railroad, trucking, airline, and ocean shipping industries with growth strategy, supply chain improvement, post-merger integration, public-private partnerships, and other key business issues. 

“Peter’s tremendous knowledge of transportation and his skills in applying rigorous research and analysis to make effective business decisions have been invaluable to our clients around the world,” said Paul A. Laudicina, chairman and managing officer of A.T. Kearney.   “We are confident his insight and experience make him the right choice to lead RITA’s efforts to support the Secretary and the President in addressing the nation’s transportation challenges.”    

Previously, Appel served as the special assistant to the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and as assistant director for pricing and yield management at Amtrak. Mr. Appel earned his bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University in Economics and Computer Science with Highest Honors, and received his Master of Science in Transportation from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

About A.T. Kearney
A.T. Kearney is a global management consulting firm that uses strategic insight, tailored solutions and a collaborative working style to help clients achieve sustainable results. Since 1926, we have been trusted advisors on CEO-agenda issues to the world’s leading corporations across all major industries. A.T. Kearney's offices are located in major business centers in 36 countries.