C.H. Robinson CEO Bob Biesterfeld, who has been with the logistics giant for over 20 years, has left the company through an involuntary termination, the company said Tuesday in a securities filing.
In his place, former C.H. Robinson board chair Scott Anderson was named interim CEO Jan. 1, and the company began looking for a permanent replacement using the executive search firm Russell Reynolds.
Biesterfeld, who also served as company president, stepped down on Dec. 31 and was terminated without cause on Jan. 1, according to the global transportation company. He and is entitled to severance benefits.
“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,” Anderson said Tuesday in a news release. “We wish him all the best.”
Biesterfeld took over the role as CEO in 2019 after serving for about a year as chief operating officer. When Biesterfeld took over, former CEO John Wiehoff lauded his successor’s deep industry knowledge and strategic vision.
“He has been the driving force behind our digital transformation efforts, accelerating the pace of innovation and technology deployment across our platform,” Wiehoff said.
But the company has encountered challenges recently. The Supreme Court denied review in June of a case involving a motorist who became quadriplegic. In November, the company announced about 650 layoffs. And C.H. Robinson said it was seeking a $150 million annual cost-saving plan as declining demand hit the transportation industry.
“It has been a privilege to lead C.H. Robinson and this exceptional team,” Biesterfeld said in the 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.”
