ArcBest in Fort Smith recently announced that CEO Judy McReynolds will retire at the end of the year. The company’s president, Seth Runser, will succeed her as CEO while continuing to serve as president and chairman of the board.
“I am honored to be named CEO-elect and grateful for the trust Judy and the board have placed in me,” Runser said. “My 18 years at ArcBest have given me a deep understanding of our business and industry. I’m excited to build on our company’s more than 100-year legacy of innovation and customer service as we continue to drive momentum and deliver long-term value.”
McReynolds has worked at ArcBest 28 years and served as CEO since 2010. With more than three decades of experience in transportation and logistics, she is a well-known and respected industry leader who has led ArcBest’s transformation into a full-service, multibillion-dollar logistics powerhouse.
“Since her appointment as CEO in 2010, Judy has led ArcBest through transformative change, delivering outstanding results and building a strong foundation for the future,” said Steven Spinner, lead independent director. “Under her leadership, ArcBest has been a pioneer in the industry, making smart investments and implementing innovative technology at scale to deliver customized logistics solutions and provide a premium customer experience. Her integrity, vision and deep industry expertise have created a legacy.”
Under McReynolds’ leadership, ArcBest has navigated significant industry disruptions, expanded its service offerings through five strategic acquisitions and introduced multiple leading innovations, including Vaux, a groundbreaking suite of material-handling solutions currently in pilot with multiple Fortune 500 companies.
“Judy has shaped ArcBest’s culture and championed the customer-led approach that defines who we are today and uniquely positions us to serve our customers using various modes of transportation across our integrated suite of solutions,” Runser said. “From small businesses to some of the world’s most recognizable brands, the ArcBest team is helping drive efficiencies amid ongoing supply chain uncertainties. I am committed to carrying that legacy forward and leading ArcBest into the future.”
During McReynolds’ tenure, the company’s revenue more than doubled, and ArcBest’s operating income grew to nearly $300 million annually.
“It has been a tremendous honor to lead ArcBest and work alongside such a talented and committed team,” McReynolds said. “Seth has played a pivotal role in ArcBest’s evolution into a leading integrated logistics company, helping to deliver record results while steering the team through unprecedented change. I have complete confidence in his leadership and ArcBest’s continued success.”
Runser began his career at ArcBest 18 years ago as a management trainee and has held leadership roles across operations, linehaul and executive management. As ArcBest president, Runser led strategic initiatives to drive profitable growth, advance premium service for customers and improve operational efficiency. As president of ABF Freight, he guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, secured a five-year labor agreement and led a transformation that delivered eight quarters of record performance.
“The board is pleased to appoint Seth as ArcBest’s next CEO,” said Steven Spinner, lead independent director. “Over the past 18 years, Seth has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and achieved strong results. His strategic insight and operational expertise have been instrumental in fostering innovation and advancing ArcBest’s customer-centric approach as a leading logistics partner. This well-planned transition reflects the board’s confidence in Seth’s ability to lead ArcBest in its next chapter of growth and value creation for our stakeholders.”
Photo credit: ArcBest
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