Werner Enterprises Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Werner Enterprises has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, administration, legal, and sales.

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Werner Enterprises provides comprehensive transportation and logistics solutions, optimizing supply chains across North America and internationally through a robust network and multimodal capabilities.

Leadership Roles at Werner Enterprises

  • Chief Executive Officer & Shareholder - Kristofer DePaolo
  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Derek Leathers
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer - Christopher Wikoff
  • Chief Operating Officer - Eric Downing
  • President - Joe Wolf
  • President & Chief Legal Officer - Nathan Meisgeier
  • Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer - Jim Schelble
  • Kristofer DePaolo - Chief Executive Officer & Shareholder

    Kristofer DePaolo, the Chief Executive Officer & Shareholder at Werner Enterprises, directs the overarching corporate strategy and shareholder value initiatives. DePaolo's leadership focuses on long-term growth and market positioning within the competitive transportation and logistics sector. This executive guides the company's strategic planning, ensuring alignment with operational execution and financial objectives across North America and international markets. Overseeing key investment decisions and strategic partnerships, Kristofer DePaolo drives the company's expansion and innovation efforts. The Chief Executive Officer & Shareholder role involves close collaboration with the board and executive team to maintain Werner Enterprises' industry leadership and operational excellence, ensuring sustainable profitability and market share.
    Kristofer DePaolo

    Derek Leathers - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Derek Leathers, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Werner Enterprises, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire organization. Leathers' responsibilities encompass guiding the company's vision, fostering a culture of operational excellence, and ensuring robust financial performance across all segments, including truckload transportation and logistics solutions. This executive oversees the company's extensive network spanning the United States, Mexico, Canada, China, and Australia. By championing innovation and efficiency, Derek Leathers drives the company's commitment to providing superior supply chain solutions for diverse industries. The Chairman & Chief Executive Officer role is pivotal in shaping Werner Enterprises' market presence and long-term sustainability, directly influencing strategic growth and shareholder returns.
    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 company's financial operations and fiscal strategy. Wikoff oversees all aspects of financial planning, accounting, treasury functions, and capital management, ensuring the financial health and stability of the organization. This executive is responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, providing critical insights to support strategic decision-making across Werner Enterprises' diverse service offerings, including truck brokerage and freight management. By directing financial resources effectively, Christopher Wikoff supports the company's growth initiatives and operational efficiency across its North American and international presence. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer role is essential for maintaining investor confidence and driving sustainable financial performance.
    Christopher Wikoff

    Eric Downing - Chief Operating Officer

    Eric Downing, the Chief Operating Officer at Werner Enterprises, directs the day-to-day operational execution of the company's extensive transportation and logistics services. Downing's focus is on optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Truckload Transportation Services segment, managing a vast fleet of dry vans, temperature-controlled, and specialized trailers. This executive ensures seamless operations across North America and international routes, supporting the movement of consumer goods, retail merchandise, and manufactured products. Overseeing fleet management, driver operations, and service delivery, Eric Downing plays a critical role in maintaining Werner Enterprises' reputation for reliability and timely delivery. The Chief Operating Officer ensures operational strategies align with the company's broader goals of expanding market reach and enhancing customer satisfaction.

    Joe Wolf - President

    Joe Wolf, the President at Werner Enterprises, directs significant operational segments and strategic initiatives within the company's expansive transportation and logistics network. Wolf's leadership focuses on driving performance and innovation across key business units, ensuring the effective delivery of truckload shipping and supply chain solutions. This executive is instrumental in optimizing the company's extensive fleet operations and non-asset-based services, including truck brokerage and freight management, across North America and international markets. By fostering cross-functional collaboration, Joe Wolf enhances Werner Enterprises' ability to meet diverse industry demands and maintain a competitive edge. The President role is central to executing the company's growth strategies and upholding its commitment to service excellence.
    Nathan Meisgeier, the President & Chief Legal Officer at Werner Enterprises, provides executive leadership and oversees the company's comprehensive legal affairs and compliance. Meisgeier ensures that all operations, from truckload transportation services to international logistics solutions, adhere to regulatory requirements and industry best practices across North America and globally. This executive's dual role involves strategic business oversight and rigorous legal counsel, safeguarding the company's interests and mitigating risks. By managing legal frameworks and corporate governance, Nathan Meisgeier supports Werner Enterprises' sustained growth and operational integrity. The President & Chief Legal Officer position is critical for navigating the complex legal landscape inherent in the transportation and logistics sector.
    Nathan Meisgeier

    Jim Schelble - Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer

    Jim Schelble, the Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer at Werner Enterprises, oversees critical administrative functions that support the company's operational framework and employee base. Schelble's purview includes human resources, information technology, risk management, and corporate facilities, ensuring a cohesive and productive work environment across the organization. This executive plays a key role in developing and implementing policies that enhance employee engagement and operational efficiency, directly impacting the company's ability to deliver comprehensive transportation and logistics solutions. By managing essential support services, Jim Schelble contributes to the seamless execution of Werner Enterprises' business objectives, from truckload shipping to international logistics. The Executive VP & Chief Administrative Officer role is vital for maintaining the internal infrastructure that powers the company's external market success.
    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 Kristofer DePaolo (Chief Executive Officer & Shareholder), along with executives such as Derek Leathers (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer) and Christopher Wikoff (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer).
    Who is part of Werner Enterprises’s executive team?
    The executive team of Werner Enterprises includes leaders such as Kristofer DePaolo (Chief Executive Officer & Shareholder), Derek Leathers (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Christopher Wikoff (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Werner Enterprises have?
    Werner Enterprises has 7 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 Chief Executive Officer & Shareholder, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer, Chief Operating Officer, President.