Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Saturday, July 26
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Business»Biesterfeld steps down as CEO, president of EP-based C.H. Robinson
    Business

    Biesterfeld steps down as CEO, president of EP-based C.H. Robinson

    Scott Anderson, the company's board chairman, named interim CEO
    Stuart SudakBy Stuart SudakJanuary 3, 20233 Mins Read
    The C.H. Robinson headquarters in Eden Prairie. Photo courtesy of C.H. Robinson

    C.H. Robinson Worldwide, the Eden Prairie-based freight and cargo logistics provider, has confirmed that Bob Biesterfeld, the CEO and president, has stepped down effective Dec. 31. He also resigned from the company’s board.

    Bob Biesterfeld

    C.H. Robinson offered no explanation for the transition in its Tuesday public announcement on the leadership change.

    Biesterfeld’s departure was described as “abrupt” by several media outlets, including the Star Tribune.

    FreightWaves added that it had been in the works for months.

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    According to a Tuesday filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Biesterfeld’s departure from the company was an involuntary termination without cause.

    Scott Anderson, the company’s board chairman since 2020, has been named interim CEO, effective Jan. 1.

    Scott Anderson

    The company has begun a search for a permanent CEO, retaining Russell Reynolds, a national executive search firm, to assist in the process. Anderson has indicated that he will not be a candidate for the permanent role.

    With Anderson serving as interim CEO, Jodee Kozlak will replace him as a board chair. Kozlak joined C.H. Robinson as a director in 2013. She is the founder and CEO of Kozlak Capital Partners, LLC, a private consulting firm. 

    Advertisement
    Ad for The Goddard School - Goddard is where Extraordinary Awaits

    Biesterfeld had been with the company since 1999, serving as CEO since May 2019.

    News of Biesterfeld’s departure comes less than two months after reporting weaker-than-expected third-quarter results and announcing plans to lay off 650 employees. At the time of the announcement, the company employed nearly 17,000 people. 

    In the company’s Tuesday media release, Biesterfeld stated that it was an honor to lead C.H. Robinson and its exceptional team, and that he was proud of all they had achieved together.

    “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,” Biesterfeld said.

    Anderson expressed gratitude on behalf of the board to Biesterfeld for his significant contributions over his time with C.H. Robinson.

    “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,” he stated in the media release. “We wish him all the best.” 

    Anderson said that he is honored to take on the role of interim CEO and will do everything he can to make the transition as smooth as possible.

    He was appointed to the C.H. Robinson board in January 2012 and has been board chairman since 2020. Before this, he served as president and chief executive officer of Patterson Companies from 2010 to 2017 and was later elected as board chairman of Patterson in April 2013.

    “Now is the right time for C.H. Robinson to accelerate our strategic initiatives and the board is focused on identifying a CEO successor who can execute on the opportunities ahead for Robinson,” Anderson said. “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.” 

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleEagles draw close but come up short against Wayzata
    Next Article EP Schools moves to distance learning Jan. 4; PiM, ISM, ERA closed due to winter storm

    More to READ

    2 Mins Read

    Starkey announces partnership with UNICEF Children with Disabilities Fund

    July 13, 2025
    1 Min Read

    New nose and throat clinic to open in Eden Prairie

    July 11, 2025
    5 Mins Read

    Sergeant Shortbread bakes cookies and community connections

    July 11, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Eden Prairie Special Olympian finds joy, success in swimming

    July 25, 2025

    Eden Prairie’s beautiful summer secret inspires landscape artist

    July 25, 2025

    Preserve’s sand-bottom pool marks 50 seasons as a hidden gem

    July 24, 2025

    Preserve pool’s early years remembered by first manager

    July 24, 2025

    ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ welcomes Marvel’s first family to the cinematic universe

    July 24, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Gold Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.