GAA New Ventures was formed in 2017 to accelerate GAA’s diversification beyond its manufacturing and logistics core. The unit is also charged with generating economic development (including commercial real estate development) and job growth in the geographic areas where GAA has a significant presence, such as Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the Washington, D.C. area.
“We’re excited about the caliber of leadership, expertise and experience Karl brings to GAA New Ventures,” said GAA President and CEO Sylvester Hester. “We look forward to Karl having an immediate impact on our strategic diversification initiatives in ways that will significantly grow our company and support the communities where we do business—particularly Detroit where we are now headquartered.”
Bell was formerly a senior vice president at Invest Detroit, which funds business expansion and real estate development initiatives in Detroit.
“Karl Bell has been such an influential player in Detroit’s revitalization,” said Dr. Kenneth L. Harris, president/CEO of the National Business League, Inc. “We need more economic inclusion in Detroit’s resurgence. So, I am very excited to see an executive of his caliber land at a major Black-owned company that has the financial wherewithal to participate meaningfully in Detroit’s redevelopment. That’s significant in retaining talent. Just what Detroit needs right now.”
“As a senior executive at Invest Detroit, Karl has played a key role in the resurgence of the city of Detroit for over a decade” said Matthew Cullen, chairman of Invest Detroit.
“I am delighted that Karl will remain an integral part of the development scene in Detroit. GAA is lucky to get him,” said David Blaszkiewicz, president and CEO of Invest Detroit.
“The addition of Karl and GAA New Ventures, LLC further strengthens our marketplace position and foundation for future growth,” said GAA Chairman William F. Pickard. “We are so pleased that Karl has joined the GAA family of companies.”
Bell currently serves as board chair for the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion. His board service also includes the Michigan Business Professionals of America, Detroit Youth Sports Commission and Urban Partnership Bank.
Bell is a graduate of Morehouse College. He also has an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, and has completed certificate programs at Harvard University and Oxford University’s Business School.
GAA is a global provider of manufacturing and logistics services for companies in a variety of industries including automotive, aerospace and pharmaceuticals. GAA member companies include Grupo Antolin Primera, ARD Logistics, Key Logistics Solutions, Global SQ, VITEC and now GAA New Ventures, LLC. GAA, based in Detroit, Michigan, is one of the nation’s largest African American-owned enterprises. For more information, visit www.GAAsolutions.com.
