Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc. announced that Kevin P. Knight, one of the founders of Knight Transportation, former Chief Executive Officer from 1994 to 2014 and Executive Chairman of the board of directors, is retiring from the Company. This milestone follows a long and distinguished career including consequential leadership roles at each of Swift Transportation and Knight Transportation, and later at Knight-Swift Transportation following a highly successful 2017 merger of the two companies.
The Board of Directors has appointed Lead Independent Director David Vander Ploeg as Chairman, effective June 3rd. Mr. Knight has agreed to continue serving the Company as a consultant for a period of two years following his retirement as Executive Chairman.
“I am humbled when I reflect on what we have built together and where our company stands today. There is so much to be proud of, and even more to be grateful for when I consider all of the family, coworkers, customers, suppliers, partners, and other stakeholders who have been part of our brands’ shared success, especially our driving associates, whose professionalism and dedication have helped make that success possible” commented Mr. Knight, “As I have been approaching this transition in recent years, I knew this bridge would have to be crossed at some point. For me, our merger with Knight and Swift was our greatest collective achievement. The reunification of the Swift and Knight families, combined with timing, diligence, operational improvements, and significant financial returns, enabled us to achieve everything that followed. I am deeply grateful to everyone whom I have had the opportunity to work with.”
“It cannot be overstated what Kevin has meant to our company, so many of our leaders, including myself, and so many more within our industry.” commented Adam Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Knight-Swift, “Our leaders do not take lightly the trust placed in us to continue building on such a distinguished foundation. I am just one of many who are deeply grateful for all Kevin has done for us, personally and professionally over the years. The culture Kevin helped instill which prioritizes safety, operational excellence, and financial discipline is deeply rooted and will continue to mark our efforts to take Knight-Swift to new heights.”
