C.H. Robinson Worldwide announced its chief financial officer, Andrew Clarke, is leaving the company effective Monday.
The move comes as the Eden Prairie-based third-party logistics firm is in the midst of a leadership transition. The company announced in February that as part of a long-planned succession, Chief Operating Officer Robert Biesterfeld would be promoted to CEO on May 9.
The company did not name a replacement for Clarke. The board said it would begin a search. According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Clarke is eligible for a $275,000 severance that is equivalent to 26 weeks of his base salary.
"I appreciate having had the opportunity to work at C.H. Robinson," Clarke said in a statement released Thursday. "I am proud to have been a member of the team that created significant value for customers, carriers, employees and shareholders, including the return of nearly $2 billion of capital over the last four years, and wish the company and its employees continued success in the future."
Current Chairman and CEO John Wiehoff — who will remain chairman after the CEO transition — said Clarke played a "key role" as the company increased total revenue by more than $3 billion over the past four years and expanded its footprint.
The company said in a statement that management changes around a CEO transition are not uncommon.
"We also have a deep and talented bench and are confident that our current leadership team positions C.H. Robinson for future success and long-term growth," the statement said.
Other longtime senior executives at C.H. Robinson have left in recent years. In March 2018, the company's chief information officer and 28-year company veteran, Chad Lindbloom, retired. Jim Lemke — a 30-year veteran who is president of Robinson Fresh, the fresh food division of C.H. Robinson — recently announced he will retire later this year.
