C.H. Robinson will replace its retiring CFO, another shakeup in its C-suite following a tough year for the brokerage and others in the trucking industry.
Mike Zechmeister, who has served in the post since September 2019, will remain with the company until a successor is named, retiring by the end of May, the Minnesota-based brokerage announced Dec. 21.
“We greatly appreciate Mike’s dedication and contributions to Robinson over the past four years to ensure the company’s continued success,” President and CEO Dave Bozeman said in a statement.
The CFO’s announced departure follows the company’s appointment of Bozeman to chief executive in June. Bozeman took over for Bob Biesterfeld, who was fired from the role Jan. 1, 2023.
The company has been cutting expenses and reducing headcount while navigating a weak freight market, which persisted throughout 2023 and many expect to linger into 2024 or longer.
Zechmeister’s career spans more than three decades, according to his LinkedIn profile. He has served various financial executive and leadership roles in the food industry.
Prior to joining C.H. Robinson, Zechmeister spent nearly 26 years with food giant General Mills. He then spent four years as CFO for United Natural Foods Inc.
Zechmeister said he took pride in his work at C.H. Robinson, navigating though a period of unprecedented change.
“I’m extremely proud of both the finance team and the finance leadership team for all that has been accomplished during our time together,” Zechmeister said in a statement.
