Philip named to Arkansas Best board

Craig Philip, CEO of Nashville-based Ingram Barge Co., has been named to the Arkansas Best Corp. Board of Directors.

Philip, 58, became CEO at Ingram in 1999 and since that time the company has grown to become the nation’s largest domestic marine transporter of bulk commodities along the Mississippi River System and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterways.

"We are delighted to have Craig Philip join the Arkansas Best board.  He brings a unique blend of leadership in various modes of transportation, combined with experience in industry marketing and tactical planning," Judy McReynolds, Arkansas Best president and CEO, said in a statement. "His practical knowledge and insight will be valuable as we strategically advance Arkansas Best into the future."

Prior to re-joining Ingram in 1991, Philip served as vice president of the Intermodal Division of Southern Pacific Railroad. Philip also worked for Ingram Barge from 1982 until 1987 after starting his career with Conrail in 1980. His career in the marine, rail and intermodal industries spans more than 30 years. He has held adjunct faculty positions at Princeton University and at Vanderbilt University. He holds masters and doctorate degrees in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Princeton University.

Arkansas Best, which employs about 9,500 nationwide, is a transportation holding company, with ABF Freight System its largest subsidiary.