Werner Enterprises Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Werner Enterprises has 6 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, financial oversight, operational management, legal compliance, administrative governance, and executive leadership.

Focused on delivering comprehensive supply chain solutions across North America and international markets, Werner Enterprises maintains a commitment to operational excellence and multimodal transportation innovation.

Leadership Roles at Werner Enterprises

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Derek Leathers
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Christopher Wikoff
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Eric Downing
  • President & Chief Legal Officer - Nathan Meisgeier
  • President - Lawrence Werner
  • Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer - Jim Schelble
  • Derek Leathers - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Derek Leathers, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Werner Enterprises, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Overseeing the integration of truckload transportation services and logistics solutions, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment across all North American and international operations. This leadership role involves driving growth through the expansion of dry van, temperature-controlled, and specialized trailer fleets. By fostering relationships with key stakeholders and the Board, Derek Leathers maintains the competitive market position of the company within the global freight industry. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer prioritizes the optimization of multimodal capabilities to meet the evolving demands of consumer goods and retail merchandise sectors. Through consistent focus on efficiency and service quality, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health and operational scalability of the entire enterprise.
    Derek Leathers

    Christopher Wikoff - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer

    Christopher Wikoff, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Werner Enterprises, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Overseeing financial reporting, treasury operations, and investor relations, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer ensures the company maintains a robust balance sheet to support ongoing logistics investments. This role involves analyzing market trends across the United States, Mexico, Canada, China, and Australia to mitigate financial risks associated with international freight management. By collaborating with the executive team, Christopher Wikoff architects financial frameworks that enable the scaling of non-asset-based services and truck brokerage operations. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer drives capital efficiency, ensuring that resources support the core mission of providing comprehensive supply chain solutions. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer sustains long-term shareholder value.
    Christopher Wikoff

    Eric Downing - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Eric Downing, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Werner Enterprises, executes the daily operational strategy for the company's extensive fleet and logistics network. Overseeing the performance of dry van and temperature-controlled trailers, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer ensures high-level service delivery for retail and manufactured goods. This role involves optimizing freight management processes and intermodal capabilities to enhance efficiency across North American shipping lanes. By coordinating with regional managers, Eric Downing drives operational excellence and maintains strict safety standards throughout the organization. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer monitors key performance indicators to refine logistics solutions and improve asset utilization. Through the implementation of advanced transportation technologies, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer supports the company's goal of providing reliable, comprehensive supply chain services to a diverse client base.
    Nathan Meisgeier, the President & Chief Legal Officer at Werner Enterprises, governs the legal framework and regulatory compliance for the entire transportation network. Overseeing corporate governance, risk management, and contractual integrity, the President & Chief Legal Officer ensures that all operations in the United States and international markets adhere to complex industry regulations. This role involves providing strategic counsel to the Board and executive leadership regarding mergers, acquisitions, and cross-border logistics expansion. By mitigating legal exposure, Nathan Meisgeier protects the reputation and assets of the company. The President & Chief Legal Officer facilitates the development of policies that support the growth of truck brokerage and freight management services. Through proactive legal planning, the President & Chief Legal Officer enables the organization to navigate the challenges of the global supply chain environment while maintaining a focus on ethical business practices and operational stability.
    Nathan Meisgeier

    Lawrence Werner - President

    Lawrence Werner, the President at Werner Enterprises, leads the execution of strategic initiatives across the company's diverse transportation and logistics segments. Overseeing the alignment of truckload services with evolving market demands, the President ensures that the organization maintains its position as a leader in supply chain solutions. This role involves fostering innovation within the freight management and intermodal divisions to enhance service capabilities for retail and manufacturing clients. By collaborating with the executive team, Lawrence Werner drives the expansion of the company's network across North America and international markets. The President monitors industry trends to identify new opportunities for growth and operational improvement. Through a focus on service quality and customer satisfaction, the President supports the overall mission of delivering comprehensive transportation services. By guiding the implementation of corporate objectives, the President ensures the continued success and market relevance of the entire enterprise.

    Jim Schelble - Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer

    Jim Schelble, the Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer at Werner Enterprises, directs the internal infrastructure and administrative functions that support the company's workforce and operational goals. Overseeing human resources, organizational development, and corporate services, the Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the company attracts and retains the talent necessary to manage complex logistics and transportation tasks. This role involves aligning administrative processes with the broader mission of providing high-quality supply chain solutions across North America and international regions. By optimizing internal systems, Jim Schelble enhances organizational agility and supports the collaboration between the Truckload Transportation Services and Werner Logistics segments. The Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer drives initiatives that improve employee engagement and operational productivity. Through the management of corporate resources, the Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer sustains the foundational strength required for the company to excel in the competitive freight industry.
    Jim Schelble

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Werner Enterprises Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Werner Enterprises?
    Werner Enterprises is led by Derek Leathers (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Christopher Wikoff (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer) and Eric Downing (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Werner Enterprises’s executive team?
    The executive team of Werner Enterprises includes leaders such as Derek Leathers (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Wikoff (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer), Eric Downing (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Werner Enterprises have?
    Werner Enterprises has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Werner Enterprises’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Werner Enterprises includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Legal Officer, President.