CRST CEO plans retirement

CEDAR RAPIDS - CRST International CEO Dave Rusch plans to retire from the company 'in the next few years,” the Cedar Rapids-based trucking company announced Thursday.

Upon Rusch's retirement, CRST said current Chief Operating Officer Hugh Ekberg will take over as the company's chief executive.

Ekberg joined the company in September 2016, having formerly served as a president with Kohler Co. and as a division president with the Weitz Co. He has a master's degree in engineering management and a master's of business administration, both from Northwestern University in Illinois.

He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In a statement, Rusch described Ekberg as well-suited to lead CRST at a time when the transportation industry faces challenges from regulation, a driver shortage and advances in technology.

'With Hugh's extensive expertise in corporate strategy, leadership, multisite management and strategic growth, we are thrilled to have an executive of his stature named as CEO-elect to shape and guide CRST through the future and the ongoing challenges in our industry,” Rusch said.

A specific date for Rusch's retirement was not given.

l Comments: (319) 398-8366; matthew.patane@thegazette.com