C.H. Robinson Appoints Dave Bozeman as CEO
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C.H. Robinson Worldwide has selected former Amazon and Ford Motor Co. executive Dave Bozeman to serve as its next CEO, the company announced June 6.
Bozeman, who brings more than three decades of experience in supply chain, middle-mile transportation, manufacturing and customer service to the job, is expected to permanently take over on June 26. He also will join the company’s board of directors.
“Following a comprehensive and thoughtful search process, we are thrilled to name Dave as CEO of C.H. Robinson,” said board chairman Jodee Kozlak. “Dave is a seasoned executive who has a strong track record of reinventing complex operating models with industrywide impact, proven expertise in global supply chain and logistics management through various economic cycles and extensive experience leading high-performing teams and cultures to drive results. Dave is the right leader to take C.H. Robinson’s vision forward.”
“It is an honor to be joining C.H. Robinson and to lead the next chapter of such an exceptional company,” Bozeman said. “I look forward to working alongside a strong management team and with talented employees to deliver for our customers and accelerate the next phase of sustained growth and success.”
BREAKING: C.H. Robinson announces the appointment of David Bozeman as our new Chief Executive Officer, effective June 26. Dave brings over 30 years of experience from iconic brands like @Ford Motor Company, @Amazon, and @CaterpillarInc.
Read more ➡️ https://t.co/z2ptBgfmrm pic.twitter.com/k6OQCL4oyT — C.H. Robinson (@CHRobinson) June 6, 2023
Bozeman most recently served as vice president of the Ford Customer Service Division and vice president of enthusiast vehicles at Ford Blue of Ford Motor Co. There, he oversaw overall business performance for specific brands. Prior to that, he served as vice president of transportation services at Amazon.com Inc.
“Dave’s an exceptional leader and partner, and we appreciate his contributions to Ford,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Ford Blue. “We congratulate him on becoming a CEO and wish him every success.”
Scott Anderson has been serving as C.H. Robinson’s interim CEO since January 2023. Anderson, who at the time was board chairman, was moved into the CEO post following the departure of former CEO Bob Biesterfeld. Per a Securities and Exchange Commission filing from the company, Biesterfeld was involuntarily terminated without cause. The company immediately began the process to find a permanent replacement.
Biesterfeld (left) and Anderson (C.H. Robinson)
Anderson will continue in the interim CEO role until the transition is complete. He will also be working with Bozeman to ensure that transition goes smoothly. Anderson will continue to serve as board member once the transition is complete.
“I am confident that with C.H. Robinson’s superior global services, people and capabilities, we will build on a strong existing foundation and execute on significant growth opportunities to create lasting value for Robinson shareholders, employees and the communities and customers we serve,” Bozeman said.
TD Cowen analyst Jason Seidl in a report said Bozeman’s appointment originally came as a surprise following speculation of other transport-focused executives who were reportedly in contention. However, he noted that Bozeman’s background with Amazon likely played a role in his selection.
“We acknowledge his years of supply chain experience, including at Amazon, as a potential positive,” Seidl wrote. “We attribute Bozeman’s tenure at Amazon as a key reason why he was appointed as CEO.”
He added, “We believe his time spent at the home delivery giant could potentially serve [C.H. Robinson’s] digital brokerage platform well.”
C.H. Robinson Worldwide ranks No. 1 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies in North America.
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