J.B. Hunt Names Brad Delco as Chief Financial Officer, Strengthening Leadership for Future Growth
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc. one of North America’s largest and most influential supply chain and logistics companies, announced today that Brad Delco, Senior Vice President of Finance, has been promoted to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Executive Vice President of Finance, effective September 1. This appointment marks an important leadership transition as J.B. Hunt continues to execute on its growth strategy, expand its service capabilities, and build long-term shareholder value.
The announcement underscores the company’s commitment to aligning financial leadership with its broader vision of operational excellence, disciplined investment, and innovative growth in the evolving logistics landscape.
Leadership Endorsement and Strategic Alignment
“Brad’s deep background in finance and capital markets, coupled with his transportation industry knowledge, continues to fuel our financial strategy as we look toward disciplined future growth and greater returns on our strategic investments,” said Shelley Simpson, President and Chief Executive Officer of J.B. Hunt. “Our entire organization is focused on operational excellence, cost discipline, and scaling our investments. This change will align our leadership strengths to support our continued focus on driving results that deliver shareholder value.”
The statement highlights the company’s emphasis on ensuring that financial leadership is closely tied to its core mission: delivering reliable, efficient, and innovative transportation and logistics services to customers while also producing sustainable returns for shareholders.
Brad Delco’s Career at J.B. Hunt
Delco, who first joined J.B. Hunt in 2019, has steadily risen through the ranks, holding roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Finance, following his tenure as Vice President of Finance. In these roles, Delco became a central figure in shaping the company’s financial strategy and investor relations approach.
Key responsibilities during his time at J.B. Hunt included:
- Investor Relations Oversight: Delco has been the primary point of contact for investors, analysts, and financial institutions, ensuring transparency and consistent communication about the company’s performance, goals, and strategies.
- Corporate Development: He played a major role in evaluating potential investments, partnerships, and business opportunities to strengthen J.B. Hunt’s market position.
- Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A): Delco oversaw budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis functions, helping leadership make informed decisions to balance short-term performance with long-term objectives.
- ESG Initiatives: He contributed to shaping J.B. Hunt’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices.
- Innovation Through ELEVATION: Delco also led ELEVATION, J.B. Hunt’s employee-driven ideation program that encourages staff to submit innovative ideas to improve operations, technology, and efficiency across the organization.
Through these initiatives, Delco has proven himself not only as a financial strategist but also as a leader capable of advancing innovation and cultural engagement within the company.
Experience Prior to J.B. Hunt
Before joining J.B. Hunt, Delco built a strong foundation in finance and the transportation sector through his 14-year career at Stephens Inc., a privately-owned financial services and investment banking firm. At Stephens, he worked in both corporate finance and equity research, with much of his focus dedicated to the transportation and logistics industries.
His work at Stephens involved:
- Conducting in-depth financial analysis of transportation companies.
- Advising on capital markets activity and financing strategies.
- Building relationships with executives across the sector, gaining insights into operational and market challenges.
This experience gave Delco a rare blend of Wall Street expertise and industry-specific knowledge, positioning him well for leadership at a company like J.B. Hunt, which sits at the intersection of transportation, logistics, and finance.
A Strategic Leadership Transition
Delco’s promotion comes at a pivotal moment for J.B. Hunt. The company continues to expand its intermodal and dedicated contract services, enhance its technology-driven logistics platforms, and optimize costs in a highly competitive market environment. Having a CFO with both capital markets expertise and deep familiarity with the transportation industry is seen as vital to supporting these initiatives.
In his new role as CFO and Executive Vice President of Finance, Delco will be responsible for:
- Overseeing the company’s overall financial strategy.
- Managing capital allocation decisions and balance sheet strength.
- Leading investor engagement and market communications.
- Supporting operational leaders with financial insights to drive performance.
- Ensuring alignment between financial priorities and long-term strategic goals.
This expanded leadership responsibility reinforces J.B. Hunt’s strategy to sustain disciplined growth while continuing to innovate in the logistics space.
The Role of John Kuhlow as Chief Accounting Officer
In addition to Delco’s promotion, J.B. Hunt also announced that John Kuhlow will serve as Chief Accounting Officer (CAO). Kuhlow has long been a trusted leader within J.B. Hunt’s finance and accounting organization, bringing a strong background in regulatory compliance, accounting, and financial management.
“John has been integral to the success of our finance and accounting organization over many years,” said Simpson. “His strong background in accounting, combined with his ethical and collaborative approach, will continue to support future growth and the financial integrity of our company.”
As CAO, Kuhlow will focus on:
- Ensuring compliance with all accounting and regulatory standards.
- Maintaining the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting.
- Supporting financial risk management efforts.
- Working closely with Delco to align accounting functions with overall financial strategy.
Together, Delco and Kuhlow represent a leadership team designed to balance strategic financial decision-making with robust accounting discipline.
Broader Implications for J.B. Hunt’s Future
The leadership changes highlight J.B. Hunt’s proactive approach to preparing for the future of logistics and supply chain management. As one of North America’s largest transportation companies, J.B. Hunt operates across multiple business segments, including intermodal, dedicated contract services, final mile services, and integrated technology solutions. Each of these segments requires careful financial oversight and strategic investment to remain competitive.
The appointment of Delco as CFO signals several priorities for the company moving forward:
- Capital Efficiency and Growth Investment: With significant opportunities in intermodal and dedicated services, J.B. Hunt is expected to continue deploying capital in ways that drive sustainable revenue growth.
- Technological Innovation: Initiatives like J.B. Hunt 360°—the company’s digital freight matching platform—require ongoing investment and financial discipline. Delco’s oversight will be key in ensuring returns on these technology-driven initiatives.
- Operational Discipline: In an industry marked by fluctuating fuel prices, economic cycles, and shifting supply chain dynamics, maintaining strict cost controls will remain a top priority.
- Sustainability and ESG Integration: With growing emphasis from investors and customers alike on environmental and social responsibility, Delco’s involvement in ESG strategy will continue to shape J.B. Hunt’s positioning as a responsible corporate citizen.
A Message of Continuity and Confidence
Leadership transitions, particularly at the CFO level, often carry symbolic weight for investors and employees alike. By promoting Delco, who is already deeply embedded in J.B. Hunt’s operations and culture, the company is signaling continuity, confidence, and a focus on long-term strategy rather than short-term shifts.
This move also reassures stakeholders that the financial leadership team understands both the internal dynamics of J.B. Hunt and the external pressures of the transportation industry. The combination of Delco’s capital markets expertise and Kuhlow’s accounting acumen provides a balanced leadership structure for navigating future opportunities and challenges.
J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.’s decision to appoint Brad Delco as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance reflects the company’s dedication to strengthening its leadership bench at a time of significant industry transformation. With a proven record in finance, investor relations, and strategic development, Delco is well-positioned to guide the company’s financial strategy into the future.
Supported by John Kuhlow in his role as Chief Accounting Officer, Delco’s leadership will help J.B. Hunt continue delivering operational excellence, disciplined investment, and long-term value for shareholders, customers, and employees alike.
As the company looks ahead, these appointments highlight J.B. Hunt’s focus on building a resilient and innovative organization ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving supply chain landscape.