Trucking industry stalwart Schneider (NYSE: SNDR) announced a planned leadership transition on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, underscoring its long-term succession strategy. Current President and CEO Mark Rourke will step into the role of Executive Chairman of the Board effective July 1, 2026, with Jim Filter, Executive Vice President and Group President of Transportation and Logistics, named as his successor.
Rourke, who has led Schneider since 2019, will remain actively involved in guiding the company’s strategic direction while transitioning day-to-day leadership to Filter. During his tenure, Rourke spearheaded several transformative initiatives, including expansion of Schneider’s intermodal network, repositioning the Truckload business into a leading Dedicated carrier through both acquisitions and organic growth, and advancing digital freight capabilities within the Logistics segment.
“Schneider’s strength has always been its ability to adapt and lead in a constantly changing environment,” Rourke said in the announcement. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and Jim is absolutely the right person to lead Schneider forward. He understands our business, our customers, and our culture, and I’m confident he will build on our momentum.”
Filter, 54, brings more than 27 years of experience at Schneider to the CEO role. He joined the company in 1998 following service in the United States Marine Corps and has held a series of increasingly senior leadership positions, including Division General Manager roles in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Mexico Operations, and Intermodal. Since assuming his current executive post in 2022, Filter has overseen all operating segments, driving improvements in service performance, efficiency, and technology integration. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and an MBA from Wayne State University and is expected to join Schneider’s Board of Directors upon assuming the CEO role.
“I am honored to take the helm at Schneider and continue building on the strong foundation Mark and our team have created,” Filter said. “The company is well positioned for growth, and I look forward to advancing our technology solutions, expanding our multimodal network, and delivering lasting value for our customers and stakeholders.”
The leadership change will also bring a board-level adjustment. James Welch, who has served as Board Chairman since 2023 and as a director since 2018, will transition to Lead Independent Director effective July 1, 2026. Welch praised Rourke’s leadership, citing his integrity, expertise, and steady guidance through a period of transformation.
Industry analysts view the move as a seamless handoff aligned with Schneider’s multi-year succession planning, as the company navigates ongoing supply chain volatility, digitalization efforts, and shifting market demands. Now marking 90 years of operation, Schneider offers a broad portfolio of services spanning Regional and Long-Haul Truckload, Dedicated, Intermodal, Brokerage, Warehousing, Supply Chain Management, Port Logistics, and Consulting.
The transition highlights Schneider’s commitment to continuity, innovation, and long-term stability in a trucking environment shaped by labor constraints, regulatory pressures, and economic uncertainty.
