Heartland Express on Friday, Sept. 2, announced that Russell Gerdin, 70, chief executive officer and board chairman, has retired due to health reasons. He will continue to be recognized by the company as chairman emeritus. Michael Gerdin, 41, president and director, was named CEO and chairman.
Michael Gerdin has served as president since May 2006 and as a board member since May 1996, and has been acting chairman since January. He has been employed by the North Liberty, Iowa-based company since 1992 and prior to becoming president held other positions within the organization, including vice president of regional operations; president of A&M Express Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company; and other positions within the company’s operations, sales, safety and driver recruiting departments.
