Bob Biesterfeld steps down as chief executive from CH Robinson

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, JodeeKozlak 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”.