Logistics Giant Ryder Ups Game with Pro Golfer Sam Ryder; Secures New Sponsorship Level & Launches New TV Ads

Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, steps up its game with a new multi-year, multimillion-dollar sponsorship and advertising campaign with professional golfer Sam Ryder, now in his seventh season on the PGA TOUR^®. The newly expanded sponsorship and brand-awareness campaign shifts the Ryder corporate logo from Sam Ryder’s golf shirt to a more prominent position on the front and back of his hat, as he plays on tour over the next three seasons. It also includes two new humorous TV ads featuring Sam Ryder, as he renews his efforts to prove he’s more than a namesake.

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Ryder ups its game with professional golfer Sam Ryder, shifting its corporate logo to a more prominent position on Sam’s hat and launching two new humorous TV ads. (Photo: Business Wire)

“It’s working for us. People love Sam Ryder,” says Karen Jones, EVP, CMO, and head of new product development for Ryder. “There are a lot of synergies between golf and business, and the sport is closely followed by our target B2B audience. Our goal is to connect with that audience in a much more personal way, and Sam’s humor, humility, and charisma has helped us do that. When our ads are on-air, we see increased interaction with our website and digital advertising and a reduced lead-cycle time. I think that’s a testament to the natural alignment of our brands.”

The new ad campaign builds on last year’s success, which introduced an affable, enthusiastic Sam Ryder along with his encouraging, supportive agent who tries to convince the golfer that Ryder didn’t just sponsor him because of his name. So, Sam Ryder comes up with some marketing ideas for Ryder, writing amusing jingles, sharing taglines, and brainstorming company event ideas.

Building on that premise, the first new ad to air in 2024 is entitled “Driver Caddie.” It features Sam Ryder pitching the idea of providing caddies for Ryder Last Mile deliveries to help navigate obstacles from curb to door, much like caddies help golfers strategize their shots. There’s only one problem: Ryder would need to hire about 10,000 caddies to accompany delivery drivers.

The second commercial, entitled “Fashion,” leans into Sam Ryder’s distinction as one of the best dressed in golf. In this spot, he transforms a golf cart barn into a fashion runway to showcase his new designs for Ryder’s professional drivers, warehouse workers, fleet maintenance technicians, and corporate employees. But as it turns out, they’re a bit over the top.

“Okay, maybe the puffy vest in high-gloss red with orange stripes isn’t for everyone, but you have to admit, the Ryder name is quite captivating,” jokes Sam Ryder. “I do think what makes this campaign so successful, aside from the sense of humor, is that it plays on the human desire to be part of something bigger and to achieve greatness. That’s something both Ryder and I share, a commitment to excellence and to continuing to improve every day. It’s authentic, and I think people can see that.”

Ryder’s new multi-year corporate sponsorship officially launched January 1, 2024 and runs through December of 2026.

The new ad campaign debuts during the week of January 29^th on the Golf Channel leading up to the AT&T Pebble Beach ProAm. The commercials will also air during the weeks of 13 key tournaments on the Golf Channel, such as The Masters, PGA Championship, and WM Phoenix Open (where Sam Ryder made that stunning hole-in-one on the infamous 16^th hole in 2022). In addition, the spots will air in-tournament for the U.S. Open, Charles Schwab Championship, LPGA Tour, and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.

About Ryder System, Inc.

Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R) is a leading logistics and transportation company. It provides supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, including warehousing and distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, last-mile delivery, managed transportation, professional drivers, freight brokerage, full-service leasing, maintenance, commercial truck rental, and used vehicle sales to some of the world’s most-recognized brands. Ryder provides services throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. In addition, Ryder manages nearly 260,000 commercial vehicles and operates approximately 300 warehouses encompassing more than 95 million square feet. Ryder is regularly recognized for its industry-leading practices in third-party logistics, technology-driven innovations, commercial vehicle maintenance, environmental stewardship, corporate social responsibility, world-class safety and security programs, military veteran recruitment initiatives, and the hiring of a diverse workforce. www.ryder.com

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this news release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including our expectations with respect to the corporate sponsorship, are based on our current data, plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including those risks set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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