Ruan Executive Chairman John Ruan III announced today that after more than five years as chief executive officer of Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Steve Chapman is retiring effective December 31, 2014.
Chapman stepped in as CEO for Ruan while John Ruan III was beginning his term as chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors. “Not only has Steve moved our company forward in so many ways, but he has proven to be an invaluable leader to the Ruan team, our customers and key stakeholders,” said Ruan.
Ruan, headquartered in Des Moines, IA, is an $807 million company with 5,200 team members in 260 operations across the U.S. Since joining the company in 2009, Chapman has led the company through the economic downturn followed by a period of significant growth, including substantial investments in new services, technology, sustainability initiatives and safety programs.
“My primary focus from the moment I arrived at Ruan was to position this great company for future success,” said Chapman. ”It’s been an honor working alongside Ruan team members from the professional drivers to the talented leadership team and, of course, the Ruan family. The last two years my focus has been on mentoring Ben McLean to lead the company. As I transition this role over to Ben, I’m so proud of all that we’ve accomplished, and Mr. Ruan and I are confident the company is in good hands and positioned extremely well for the future.”
President and Chief Operating Officer Ben McLean, part of the third generation of the Ruan family, has been promoted to chief executive officer, reporting to John Ruan III who remains as executive chairman. Chapman will remain a member of Ruan’s board of directors.
“Steve is known for lending his talents and expertise to numerous organizations, and I’m certain that he will continue to do so in the future,” Ruan said. “I thank Steve for making our company stronger and our community better.”