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Trucking industry stalwart Schneider (NYSE: SNDR ) disclosed a strategic leadership change on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as part of its ongoing succession planning. Current President and CEO Mark Rourke will become Executive Chairman of the Board effective July 1, 2026, paving the way for Jim Filter, Executive Vice President and Group President of the Company’s Transportation and Logistics Group, to assume the senior executive role.
Rourke, who has led the company since 2019, is credited with transformational initiatives such as expanding the intermodal network, repositioning the Truckload division as a dominant dedicated carrier through acquisitions and organic expansion, and advancing digital cargo solutions in logistics.
“Schneider’s strength has always been his ability to adapt and lead in an ever-changing environment, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Rourke said in the announcement. “Jim is absolutely the right person to lead Schneider forward. He is a proven leader who understands our business and our customers, and I am confident that he will build on our momentum and lead Schneider into an even stronger future.”
Filter, 54, brings more than 27 years of in-house experience to the role of CEO. Joining Schneider in 1998 after serving in the United States Marine Corps, he has held progressively senior roles, including the positions of Divisional General Manager in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Mexico Operations and Intermodal. In 2022, he advanced to his current executive role, where he has overseen all operating segments, driving improvements in service quality, efficiency and technology integration. Filter holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and an MBA from Wayne State University. It is expected that he will be appointed to the Board of Directors after the transition of its CEO.
“I am honored to take the helm at Schneider and continue to build on the momentum that Mark and our team have built,” said Filter. “Schneider is well positioned for significant growth and I look forward to leading our talented team to advance our technology solutions, expand our multimodal network and drive operational growth and excellence to create lasting value for all stakeholders.”
The transition also includes a board adjustment: James Welch, who has served as chairman since 2023 and a director since 2018, will become lead independent director effective July 1, 2026. Welch praised Rourke’s contributions, noting, “Mark’s reputation for integrity and expertise has long been recognized by his colleagues and clients in the industry that he trusts his peers and customers trust that their leadership, their continuity and their leadership as customers of the industry. during this planned transition”.
