Biesterfeld exits as CH Robinson CEO

Image Source: C.H. Robins

CH Robinson chief executive Bob Biesterfeld has stepped down from the role to be replaced on an interim basis by Scott Anderson, chair of the board of directors.

The freight broker and forwarder said that it has commenced a search for a new chief executive and has retained recruitment firm Russell Reynolds to assist in the process of identifying internal and external candidates. 

Biesterfeld’s departure from the company was described in a stock exchange filing as involuntary termination by the company without cause.

Anderson said: “Since joining Robinson in 1999, Bob has played an important role in positioning CH 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.

“Now is the right time for C.H. Robinson to accelerate our strategic initiatives and the Board is focused on identifying a chief executive 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.”

Meanwhile, Jodee Kozlak will become independent chair of the CH Robinson Board, while Kermit Crawford has been appointed as the chair of the governance committee.

Last year activist investor Ancora Holdings gained two seats on the CH Robinson board and there have been reports that the company could be interested in selling its forwarding business.

At the time Ancora gained its place on the board, the company agreed to form a Capital Allocation and Planning Committee, which will “objectively assess value creation opportunities, make recommendations to the Board and support management’s review of the company’s capital allocation, operations and strategy, including enhanced transparency and disclosures to shareholders”.

DSV unaware of any CH Robinson divestment process

Share this story

Related Topics

Latest freight forwarder news

Scan Global Logistics plans for further acquisitions

Fast-growing Scan Global Logistics said it is planning to make more acquisitions with a focus on growing in key markets….

Read More

Share this story

Korean Air connects with DHL through APIs

DHL Global Forwarding is continuing to add direct connections to its airline partner’s booking systems, this time integrating with Korean…

Read More

Share this story

More than 20 parties interested in buying DB Schenker

Deutsche Bahn (DB) yesterday provided an update on its plan to sell DB Schenker during the announcement of its full-year…

Read More

Share this story

Damian Brett

Damian Brett
I have been writing about the freight and logistics industry since 2007 when I joined International Freighting Weekly to cover the shipping sector.After a stint in PR, I have gone on to work for Containerisation International and Lloyds List - where I was editor of container shipping - before joining Air Cargo News in 2015.Contact me on [email protected]