Schneider welcomes 4th CEO in 84-year company history

Earlier this week, Schneider officially transitioned to a new chief executive officer for just the third time since its founding in 1935.

Retiring CEO Chris Lofgren announced his pending retirement in October, and on Monday, April 29, Mark Rourke was named the new president and CEO of the company.

Now is a perfect time to introduce Mark and his vision for the future, and share Chris’s parting thoughts and a heartfelt thanks for his leadership.

Meet Mark Rourke, Schneider’s new CEO

Chris describes Mark as “the quintessential example of a talented leader,” adding that “no one is better prepared to take the helm of this wonderful enterprise.”

Mark’s background proves it:

• Joined Schneider in 1987 as a driver leader, developing a firsthand appreciation for the critical role drivers serve in the company and economy.
• Advanced to hold numerous leadership roles in 30-plus years:
  • Director of driver training.
  • Vice president of customer service.
  • General manager of Schneider Transportation Management (logistics).
  • President of truckload services.
  • Chief operating officer (2015-2019).
• Since becoming COO, has led the company through major growth and led an ongoing Driver Experience Initiative that’s transforming drivers’ daily work.

A vision for an even brighter future

Schneider is uniquely positioned with three business segments — Truckload, Intermodal and Logistics — all performing competitively and at scale. That happens through unparalleled capability:

• Resiliency through industry and economic cycles.
• Broad portfolio of services and career opportunities.
• Productivity emphasis that puts associates in the driver’s seat.
• Innovation and technology leadership and implementation.
• Uncompromising core values: Safety, Integrity, Respect and Excellence.

Earlier this week, Mark provided a strong vision for the future — which is just as exciting to think about if you’re a prospective Schneider associate:

“Our position of strength has been earned through your hard work and critical process, people and technology investments — all while providing an excellent value exchange to our broad customer community.

“I also outlined a vision for the future which recognizes that several market influencers are reshaping the transportation and logistics industry at a pace unlike anything we have experienced before.

“To achieve our vast potential and cultivate a culture of innovation and creativity, we need energized associates who are committed to successfully implementing strategies that take full advantage of the market opportunities ahead.

Chris Lofgren’s final farewell after 17 years as CEO

At Schneider’s annual meeting earlier this year, Chris took the stage to issue a powerful farewell speech to Schneider associates. He reflected on the promise he made to Don Schneider to leave the organization better than he handed it off.

“Today, I have no doubt that because of each one of you, this organization is much better than it was in 2002. I owe you the deepest gratitude. Thank you for helping me keep that promise.

Chris was honored at a gathering earlier this week in recognition of his leadership over 17 years as CEO, enhancing Schneider’s reputation as an industry leader and a great place to work.

In a goodbye email to associates on Monday, Chris said in part:

Chris, thank you for all you’ve done, and enjoy a fantastic retirement! We’ll continue growing the Schneider legacy, staying true to the secret ingredient to our success and following the blueprint of a company built to last.