ArcBest Appoints Industry Veteran Chris Sultemeier to Board of Directors; Long-Serving Director Dr. Craig E. Philip to Retire in 2026
ArcBest, a leading integrated logistics company serving customers across global supply chains, has announced the appointment of seasoned logistics executive Chris Sultemeier to its Board of Directors, effective October 29, 2025. His addition marks an important step as ArcBest continues strengthening its leadership team and board competencies to advance long-term strategic priorities.
The company also shared that Dr. Craig E. Philip, a director since 2011, will retire from the board following the January 2026 board meeting. Philip’s departure will conclude more than a decade of dedicated service and leadership during a pivotal period of transformation for the organization.
Experienced Supply Chain Leader Joins Board
In his new role, Sultemeier will serve on both the Compensation Committee and the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee, two areas central to ArcBest’s long-term strategy and organizational development initiatives.
Sultemeier arrives with more than three decades of experience in logistics, transportation, and supply chain operations, including extensive leadership roles in large-scale, high-growth environments. His expertise spans freight management, distribution, technology-enabled logistics, and operational optimization across multiple verticals.
Much of his career was shaped at Walmart, where he served for 28 years. At Walmart, he rose to the position of Executive Vice President of Logistics and also held the role of President and CEO of Walmart Transportation. In these positions, he led one of the largest and most complex supply chain networks in the world, helping develop strategic systems that support seamless inventory movement, store replenishment, and global scale. His leadership played a significant role in transforming Walmart’s logistics operations into a globally recognized benchmark for efficiency, innovation, and customer-driven supply chain excellence.
Following his tenure at Walmart, Sultemeier expanded his portfolio in the private equity and investment space. He currently serves as an Operating Partner at NewRoad Capital Partners, where he advises and supports a range of portfolio companies. He is actively involved on several boards, helping guide organizations as they leverage technology and modern operational approaches to scale more effectively.
Sultemeier’s breadth of experience—spanning operational, strategic, and board-level leadership—positions him as a strong contributor to ArcBest’s governance structure. His background in overseeing massive logistics networks and working with fast-growing supply chain startups is expected to support ArcBest’s continued momentum as a growth-driven, technology-forward logistics enterprise.
ArcBest noted that Sultemeier’s appointment underscores the company’s ongoing effort to incorporate diverse leadership perspectives and strengthen board-level capabilities in areas such as digital innovation, strategic growth, and value creation. These priorities remain central to ArcBest’s mission of delivering comprehensive logistics solutions that help customers navigate increasingly complex global trade environments.
Leadership Remarks
“We are pleased to welcome Chris to the ArcBest Board of Directors,” stated Judy R. McReynolds, ArcBest Chairman and CEO. “His impressive experience leading supply chain and logistics at Walmart, as well as his experience on multiple boards, brings valuable operational insight and industry perspective to our board as we continue to execute on our long-term strategy.”
McReynolds added that as global supply chains continue to digitize and evolve, the ability to draw on leaders with a demonstrated record of innovation and continuous improvement is vital. She emphasized Sultemeier’s strong alignment with ArcBest’s strategic goals, particularly as the company continues to scale digital logistics platforms, expand end-to-end capabilities, and grow its integrated solutions portfolio.
Recognizing the Service of Dr. Craig E. Philip
As part of this transition, ArcBest also announced the planned retirement of Dr. Craig E. Philip, who will step down from the board after the January 2026 board meeting. Philip joined the board in 2011 and has served with distinction for more than 14 years, contributing to critical oversight and strategic decision-making as ArcBest expanded from its less-than-truckload heritage to become a comprehensive, technology-driven logistics provider.
Philip is a member of the Audit Committee and has previously served on both the Compensation Committee and the Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee. His influence extended across key areas of company transformation, leveraging his academic engineering background and decades of senior leadership experience within the transportation and logistics sector.
Before joining ArcBest’s board, Philip held executive roles at leading transportation and marine logistics companies, giving him a deep perspective on freight mobility, infrastructure, customer relationships, and industry dynamics. His focus on innovation, his knowledge of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and his forward-looking thought leadership helped guide ArcBest through a period in which the company broadened its reach, invested heavily in supply chain technology, and elevated its position in the logistics market.
Reflecting on Philip’s tenure, McReynolds said, “I have enjoyed working with Craig over the last fourteen years. He brought broad expertise to the board that combined business, academia and future-driven thinking. Craig’s experience leading large transportation and logistics companies, his experience with M&A and his focus on innovation were key to helping guide ArcBest’s transformation into an integrated logistics company. The entire board and I wish him all the best.”
Philip’s contributions have especially resonated in areas involving stewardship of sustainable growth, organizational development, and emerging-technology adoption—core elements of ArcBest’s strategic transformation.
New Lead Independent Director Appointed
Alongside these board changes, ArcBest announced that Eduardo Conrado, a board member since 2016, has been appointed Lead Independent Director. He succeeds Steve Spinner, who previously held the role before his retirement from the board.
Conrado’s progression into this leadership position reflects both his strong tenure and his ability to provide objective board guidance. His background includes extensive experience in business strategy, technology leadership, digital transformation, and brand development. These skills align with ArcBest’s continued evolution as it expands its digital services and integrated solutions.
As lead independent director, Conrado will play a central role in supporting board governance, overseeing independent director activities, and ensuring board priorities align with shareholder interests. He is expected to support collaboration across committees and help guide the board’s review of composition, strategic priorities, and future leadership readiness.
Commitment to Strong Governance
ArcBest emphasized that these transitions form part of a broader, ongoing review of board size, structure, and capabilities. The company is evaluating the balance of skills, professional experience, and demographic diversity represented within the board to ensure it remains well-positioned to guide the business in a fast-changing logistics marketplace.
“ArcBest continues to assess its board composition to ensure representation of the insights, perspectives, and expertise needed to meet evolving strategic needs and deliver long-term value for shareholders,” the company stated. Additional board updates are expected in the coming months as this review continues.
Strengthening board governance remains a priority as ArcBest navigates shifting customer needs, advances in logistics technology, and growing expectations around sustainability, operational efficiency, and workforce development. The company’s governance strategy is designed to ensure that board members bring varied and relevant expertise, collaborative oversight, and a shared commitment to innovation.
As ArcBest continues positioning itself for future growth across global supply chains, board leadership will remain central to its ability to execute strategy, adapt to market change, and drive value creation. The addition of Chris Sultemeier, combined with the structured transition surrounding Philip’s retirement and Conrado’s expanded role, highlights the company’s thoughtful approach to leadership succession.
With a history grounded in freight services and an evolving portfolio of digital and integrated logistics solutions, ArcBest remains focused on improving customer experiences, accelerating operational capabilities, and delivering end-to-end supply chain efficiencies. The renewed board composition is expected to support these priorities by connecting executive leadership with deep industry experience and strategic business guidance.
As the logistics industry continues to undergo rapid evolution—with increasing digitization, shifting trade patterns, and growing complexity—ArcBest’s strengthened board will help guide the company through new challenges and opportunities. By leveraging the strategic expertise of its incoming, continuing, and outgoing directors, ArcBest is well-positioned to advance its mission: helping customers build smart, resilient, and future-ready supply chains.