McReynolds to step down as ArcBest CEO, remain as board chair

ArcBest Chair and CEO Judy McReynolds will retire as CEO at the end of 2025, ending 28 years as a company employee, including the past 15 as its top executive, the Fort Smith-based company announced Thursday (July 17). She will remain as board chair.

Seth Runser, ArcBest president and also a veteran with the company, will add CEO to his plate on Jan. 1, 2026.

“It has been a tremendous honor to lead ArcBest and work alongside such a talented and committed team,” McReynolds said in a statement. “Seth has played a pivotal role in ArcBest’s evolution into a leading integrated logistics company, helping to deliver record results while steering the team through unprecedented change. I have complete confidence in his leadership and ArcBest’s continued success.”

McReynolds in 2010 was named ArcBest president and CEO, and in 2016 she was elected board chair. She moved to ArcBest chair and CEO in August 2024, overseeing the company’s long-term strategy, including its innovation efforts. McReynolds is the only member of the company’s senior management who serves on the board.

During her tenure, the company’s revenue more than doubled, and operating income grew to nearly $300 million annually.

McReynolds also sits on several outside boards, including OGE Energy Corp., First Bank Corp., and First National Bank. She is a member of the Wall Street Journal CEO Council and of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) board and executive committee. She recently retired as chair of the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) after eight years.

Her other contributions include being a member of the Dean’s Executive Advisory Board of the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas and as a director of the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith Foundation Board. She was inducted into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in February 2023. McReynolds holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Oklahoma.

“Since her appointment as CEO in 2010, Judy has led ArcBest through transformative change, delivering outstanding results and building a strong foundation for the future,” said Steven Spinner, lead independent board director. “Under her leadership, ArcBest has been a pioneer in the industry, making smart investments and implementing innovative technology at scale to deliver customized logistics solutions and provide a premium customer experience. Her integrity, vision and deep industry expertise have created a legacy. The entire ArcBest Board is deeply grateful to Judy for her decades of service, and we wish her the very best in her well-deserved retirement. We are fortunate she will continue to provide guidance and support as chairman.”

Runser joined ArcBest 18 years ago as a management trainee and has held several leadership roles, including lineal and executive management. According to the company, he led strategic initiatives to drive profitable growth and improve operational efficiency. As ABF Freight president, he helped manage the less-than-truckload carrier through the global pandemic, helped land a five-year labor agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and delivered eight quarters of record performance.

“I am honored to be named CEO-elect and grateful for the trust Judy and the board have placed in me,” Runser said. “My 18 years at ArcBest have given me a deep understanding of our business and industry. I’m excited to build on our company’s more than 100-year legacy of innovation and customer service as we continue to drive momentum and deliver long-term value.”

The shipping and logistics company is set to report second quarter results on July 30. The consensus estimate has per share net income at $1.41, with the revenue estimate at $1.04 billion.

ArcBest shares (NASDAQ: ARCB) opened Thursday at $78.13. During the past 52 weeks the share price has ranged between $128.83 and $55.19.