Heartland’s John Cosaert Retires, Christopher Strain Named CFO
Heartland Express Inc. Chief Financial Officer John Cosaert has retired after nearly 40 years with the carrier, starting as one of the firm’s original employees as an accountant, and moving up to manage the company’s finances and back office. He played a central part in seven acquisitions that contributed to the company’s growth.
Heartland named Christopher Strain vice president of finance, treasurer and CFO. Strain joined Heartland in 2007 and has served as vice president, controller and secretary since 2015. Prior to Heartland, Strain was with Deloitte & Touche from 1997 to 2007 as a certified public accountant.
Cosaert joined North Liberty, Iowa-based Heartland in 1978 when the firm operated 16 trucks. The company today ranks No. 52 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America, with more than 5,000 company-owned tractors and 15,218 trailers.
“John has provided strategic focus to all aspects of our business from its beginnings. He has played an integral role in the company’s growth, profitability and exceptional returns for our stockholders since we went public in 1986,” Chairman Michael Gerdin said in a statement.
