Biesterfeld (left) and Anderson (C.H. Robinson)
C.H. Robinson CEO Bob Biesterfeld has stepped down from his leadership post, the company announced Jan. 3.
Biesterfeld, who was named CEO in May 2019, has been with the company for 24 years. Prior to taking over as CEO, he served as the company’s chief operating officer. His departure took effect Dec. 31. He also held the title of president and was a member of the board of directors.
Board chairman Scott Anderson has been appointed interim CEO, effective Jan. 1.
“It has been a privilege to lead C.H. Robinson and this exceptional team,” Biesterfeld said in a news release. “I am proud of all that we have achieved together, and it has been a pleasure working with so many talented members of the team throughout the organization during my tenure as CEO. I am confident that C.H. Robinson’s industry leading people and culture will continue to ensure that the company is well-positioned for the future.”
The company’s board of directors has retained national executive search firm Russell Reynolds to commence a search for a new permanent CEO, including internal and external candidates.
“On behalf of the board of directors, I thank Bob for his many important contributions over the past three years as CEO and his 24 years with C.H. Robinson,” Anderson said. “Since joining Robinson in 1999, Bob has played an important role in positioning C.H. Robinson for long-term success, most recently leading the company through a challenging period, which included COVID-19 and dealing with supply chain disruptions. We wish him all the best.”
Board member Jodee Kozlak will become independent chair of the board. Kozlak, founder and CEO of consulting firm Kozlak Capital Partners, has been a member of the company’s board since 2013.
C.H. Robinson said it also has made changes to the membership of the audit committee and governance committee so that these committees remain composed solely of independent directors, and appointed Kermit Crawford as chair of the governance committee.
C.H. Robinson ranks No. 1 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America.
“I am honored to take on the role of interim CEO and am committed to ensuring this will be a seamless transition for all C.H. Robinson stakeholders,” Anderson said. “Now is the right time for C.H. Robinson to accelerate our strategic initiatives and the board is focused on identifying a CEO successor who can execute on the opportunities ahead for Robinson. I look forward to working closely with our talented employees to continue to improve our customer and carrier experience and scale our digital processes to foster sustainable growth.”
