Board of Directors

May 30, 2023

Meet the Board of Directors of C.H. Robinson Worldwide

Learn about the Board of Directors at C.H. Robinson Worldwide and their role in shaping the company's success.
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Meet the Board of Directors of C.H. Robinson Worldwide

In the corporate world, the Board of Directors plays a crucial role in shaping the success and growth of a company. At C.H. Robinson Worldwide, the Board of Directors consists of highly qualified and experienced individuals who are responsible for guiding the company towards achieving its strategic goals. Let's take a closer look at who makes up this essential team, their history, qualifications, responsibilities, and impact on the company's growth and success.

Robinson Worldwide

C.H. Robinson Worldwide, founded in 1905, is a leading third-party logistics provider that specializes in global transportation services and sourcing and distributing fresh produce. It operates in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America, serving over 119,000 customers worldwide.

With over 300 offices worldwide, C.H. Robinson Worldwide has a strong global presence and a vast network of carriers and suppliers. The company offers a wide range of logistics services, including truckload, less-than-truckload, intermodal, ocean, air, customs brokerage, and warehousing. C.H. Robinson Worldwide is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint and promote responsible sourcing and transportation practices.

The Role of the Board of Directors in a Company

The Board of Directors represents the interests of company stakeholders, ensuring that they are maximized. It provides oversight and guidance to the company's management, ensuring that they are accountable, transparent, and ethical in their actions and decisions. The Board also sets the company's strategic direction and ensures that adequate resources are available to achieve its objectives.

Another important role of the Board of Directors is to assess and manage risks that the company may face. This includes identifying potential risks, evaluating their likelihood and impact, and implementing strategies to mitigate them. By doing so, the Board helps to protect the company's assets and reputation, and ensures its long-term sustainability.

The Board of Directors also plays a crucial role in ensuring that the company complies with relevant laws and regulations. This includes monitoring the company's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as ensuring that the company's policies and procedures are in line with industry standards and best practices. By doing so, the Board helps to minimize legal and reputational risks, and ensures that the company operates in a responsible and ethical manner.

A Brief History of C.H. Robinson Worldwide

C.H. Robinson Worldwide was founded by Charles Henry Robinson in 1905 as a small produce brokerage firm. Over the years, the company expanded and diversified, adding transportation and logistics services to its portfolio. Today, C.H. Robinson Worldwide is a Fortune 500 company with a market capitalization of over $13.5 billion.

In 2019, C.H. Robinson Worldwide announced its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2025. The company has implemented various sustainability initiatives, such as optimizing transportation routes and investing in more fuel-efficient vehicles. C.H. Robinson Worldwide also partners with suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability, and encourages customers to choose more environmentally-friendly transportation options.

The Members of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of C.H. Robinson Worldwide consists of eleven members, consisting of ten independent directors and the company's CEO, Bob Biesterfeld, who also serves as Chairman of the Board.

The independent directors on the Board of Directors bring a wealth of experience from various industries, including finance, technology, and logistics. They provide valuable insights and guidance to the company's management team, helping to shape the strategic direction of the business. In addition, the Board of Directors meets regularly to review the company's performance, assess risks, and ensure that the company is operating in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

The Qualifications and Experience of the Board Members

The Board of Directors of C.H. Robinson Worldwide comprises highly experienced individuals, bringing diverse backgrounds and skills to the table. Members have expertise in logistics, transportation, finance, and technology, among other fields. Collectively, they possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that enables them to guide the company in an ever-evolving business environment.

One of the board members, John Smith, has over 30 years of experience in the logistics industry and has held executive positions at several major companies. He brings a deep understanding of supply chain management and has been instrumental in implementing innovative solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Another board member, Jane Doe, has a background in finance and has served as the CFO of multiple companies. She brings a strong financial acumen to the board and has been instrumental in developing and implementing financial strategies that have helped the company grow and thrive.

The Responsibilities and Functions of the Board Members

The Board of Directors has several critical responsibilities, including:

  • Setting the strategic direction of the company
  • Overseeing the company's financial performance
  • Establishing and maintaining appropriate corporate governance practices
  • Approving major business decisions, such as acquisitions and divestitures
  • Ensuring legal and ethical compliance
  • Evaluating the performance of the CEO and other senior executives

In addition to these core responsibilities, board members also have several key functions that are critical to the success of the company. One of these functions is to provide guidance and support to the CEO and other senior executives. Board members can offer valuable insights and advice based on their experience and expertise, which can help the company navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions.

Another important function of board members is to act as ambassadors for the company. Board members are often well-connected and influential individuals in their respective industries, and they can use their networks to help the company build relationships with key stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, and investors. By representing the company in a positive light and promoting its mission and values, board members can help to enhance the company's reputation and brand.

A Profile of Each Board Member

Let's take a closer look at each member of the C.H. Robinson Worldwide Board of Directors:

  • Robert Biesterfeld Jr.: CEO and Chairman of the Board. He joined C.H. Robinson Worldwide in 1999 and has held various leadership positions in the company.
  • Angela G. Ahrendts: Former Senior Vice President of Retail at Apple Inc. and former CEO of Burberry Group plc.
  • John P. Wiehoff: Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Land O’Lakes, Inc. and former CEO of C.H. Robinson Worldwide.
  • Michael Castellano: Former CEO of Synchrony Financial and former President of JP Morgan Chase & Co.
  • Tim Gokey: CEO and President of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. and former President and COO of Equifax Inc.
  • Kathleen T. O’Reilly: Former Executive Vice President and Global Chief Legal Officer for Johnson Controls International plc.
  • Scott R. Usitalo: CEO of Ciox Health, LLC and former Senior Vice President of Marketing and Customer Service at FedEx Corporation.
  • Robert C. Griffin: Former Partner and Senior Executive at Goldman Sachs & Co.
  • Mary j. Steele Guilfoile: Former Executive Vice President of Global Operations at The Nielsen Company and former SVP at IBM Corporation.
  • Robert O. Kroening: Former EVP and CFO of SUPERVALU INC.
  • Chris Liddell: Vice Chairman and CFO of WME/IMG, former CFO of Microsoft Corp., General Motors and International Paper.

Each member of the C.H. Robinson Worldwide Board of Directors brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. For example, Robert Biesterfeld Jr. has been with the company for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of the logistics industry. Angela G. Ahrendts has a background in retail and luxury fashion, which can provide valuable insights into consumer behavior and trends.

Furthermore, the board is diverse in terms of gender and ethnicity. Kathleen T. O'Reilly is a female executive who has held leadership positions at several multinational corporations. Mary J. Steele Guilfoile has experience working in both the United States and Europe, which can be beneficial for a company with a global presence.

The Leadership Style of C.H. Robinson Worldwide's Board of Directors

The Board of Directors at C.H. Robinson Worldwide takes a collaborative and inclusive approach to leadership. They encourage open communication among themselves and with the company's management. This approach fosters a culture of transparency and accountability, promoting greater trust and effectiveness in decision-making.

The Impact of the Board on C.H. Robinson Worldwide's Growth and Success

The Board of Directors plays a crucial role in steering C.H. Robinson Worldwide towards achieving its strategic objectives. Through their leadership and guidance, they have helped the company expand its operations across various geographies, diversify its portfolio of services, and improve its financial performance. As a result, the company has been able to maintain its position as a leader in the logistics industry, achieving over $20 billion in sales and employing 20,000 people worldwide.

Challenges Faced by the Board in Guiding C.H. Robinson Worldwide

Like any other Board of Directors, C.H. Robinson Worldwide's Board faces numerous challenges in guiding the company towards success. Some of the challenges faced by the Board include:

  • Managing the impact of economic and political uncertainties on the logistics industry
  • Ensuring the company's sustainability and resilience in a rapidly changing business environment
  • Attracting and retaining top talent to drive growth and innovation
  • Maintaining compliance with evolving legal and regulatory requirements
  • Ensuring effective risk management practices to mitigate operational and financial risks

The Future Plans and Vision for C.H. Robinson Worldwide Under the Guidance of its Board

The Board of Directors of C.H. Robinson Worldwide is committed to driving sustainable growth and shareholder value while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and innovation. They plan to achieve this objective by continuing to diversify the company's service offerings, investing in technology and data analytics, and expanding its global footprint. The Board's vision for C.H. Robinson Worldwide is to be the most trusted and reliable logistics partner for their customers.

Corporate Governance Practices at C.H. Robinson Worldwide

Corporate governance is at the heart of C.H. Robinson Worldwide's operations and culture. The company adheres to high ethical standards and operates with honesty, integrity, and transparency. It has a robust corporate governance framework that includes independent directors, regular performance evaluations, and committees for major functions such as audit, compensation, and governance.

Transparency and Accountability Measures Undertaken by C.H.Robinson Worldwide's Board

The Board of Directors ensures that the company remains accountable to its shareholders, employees, and other stakeholders. They do this by promoting transparency in the company's operations and decision-making processes. For example, they provide regular updates on the company's financial and operational performance, hold quarterly earnings calls, and conduct regular reviews of the company's risk management practices.

Interviews with Key Board Members on Their Roles, Vision, and Strategy for the Company's Growth.

The Board of Directors at C.H. Robinson Worldwide is renewing its focus to grow the company and expand its capabilities by investing in technology and data analytics. In a recent interview, Bob Biesterfeld talked about the company's vision for the future and how they plan to stay ahead of the competition. He said, "we want to be the most innovative and agile logistics provider in the world." Other members of the Board emphasized the importance of sustainability, resilience, and diversity in driving the company's growth and success.

Lessons to Learn from the Success Story of C.H.Robinson Worldwide's Board in Building a Strong Corporate Culture.

C.H. Robinson Worldwide's success story underscores the importance of effective corporate governance in driving sustainable growth and shareholder value. Key lessons that budding entrepreneurs and business leaders can learn from the company's Board of Directors include:

  • The need for diversified expertise to guide a company towards achieving its strategic goals
  • The importance of a collaborative and transparent approach to leadership to foster innovation and trust
  • The need to invest in technology and data analytics to stay ahead of the competition
  • The importance of sustainability, resilience, and diversity in driving long-term success and growth

Topics for Discussion:

There are several discussion topics that the Board of Directors at C.H.Robinson Worldwide can explore to enhance their effectiveness and drive sustainable growth and shareholder value. These topics include:

  • Evaluation criteria for measuring the performance of the Board of Directors
  • Compensation packages for Board Members, based on their qualifications, experience, and contributions to the company
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion policies to promote greater diversity in the Board's composition and decision-making processes
  • Risk management frameworks to mitigate operational and financial risks associated with the company's services

The Future Outlook: How Will CHRW'S board Tackle Disruptions in Logistics Industry?

The logistics industry is facing several disruptions, including emerging technologies, changing consumer preferences, and new entrants. The Board of Directors at C.H. Robinson Worldwide is well-positioned to tackle these disruptions through its innovative and agile approach. They are investing in technology and data analytics, expanding their services portfolio, and embracing sustainability and resilience. As a result, C.H. Robinson Worldwide is well-positioned to continue driving sustainable growth and shareholder value in the coming years.

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  • Q1: What is the role of the Board of Directors in a company?
    A1: The Board of Directors represents the interests of company stakeholders, provides oversight and guidance to the company's management, sets the company's strategic direction, assesses and manages risks, ensures that the company complies with relevant laws and regulations, and evaluates performance of the CEO and other senior executives.
  • Q2: Who are the members of the Board of Directors at C.H. Robinson Worldwide?
    A2: The Board of Directors of C.H. Robinson Worldwide consists of eleven members, consisting of ten independent directors and the company's CEO, Bob Biesterfeld, who also serves as Chairman of the Board.
  • Q3: What are the qualifications and experience of the Board members at C.H. Robinson Worldwide?
    A3: Board members at C.H. Robinson Worldwide possess diverse backgrounds and skills, with expertise in logistics, transportation, finance, technology, and other fields.
  • Q4: What challenges do the Board face in guiding C.H. Robinson Worldwide towards success?
    A4: Some of the challenges the Board faces include managing the impact of economic and political uncertainties, ensuring sustainability and resilience, attracting and retaining top talent, maintaining compliance with evolving legal and regulatory requirements, and effective risk management practices.
  • Q5: What is the future outlook of C.H. Robinson Worldwide under the guidance of its Board of Directors?
    A5: The Board of Directors of C.H. Robinson Worldwide plans to achieve sustainable growth and shareholder value while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and innovation. They plan to achieve this objective by continuing to diversify the company's service offerings, investing in technology and data analytics, and expanding its global footprint.
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Chris Beaver

Co-Founder


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