Werner Enterprises Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by a commitment to excellence, Werner Enterprises provides comprehensive transportation and logistics solutions across North America and internationally, focusing on reliable truckload shipping and innovative supply chain management.

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
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Eric Downing
  • President & Chief Legal Officer - Nathan Meisgeier
  • President - Joe Wolf
  • 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. Overseeing critical investment decisions, DePaolo ensures alignment with long-term growth objectives and market expansion across North America and international territories. This leadership position involves guiding the company's strategic direction, fostering innovation within its truckload transportation services and Werner Logistics segments, and maintaining robust relationships with stakeholders. By championing a forward-thinking approach, Kristofer DePaolo drives the company's mission to deliver exceptional transportation and logistics solutions, solidifying its market presence through strategic foresight and operational excellence. The executive's focus remains on enhancing operational efficiency and expanding the company's multimodal capabilities to meet evolving industry demands.
    Kristofer DePaolo

    Derek Leathers - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Derek Leathers, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Werner Enterprises, steers the company's strategic vision and governance. Leathers directs the executive team in executing the business plan, ensuring operational integrity across truckload transportation services and Werner Logistics. This role involves setting the tone for corporate culture, driving sustainable growth, and managing key relationships with the board and investors. By focusing on market leadership and innovation, Derek Leathers ensures Werner Enterprises maintains its competitive edge in providing comprehensive supply chain solutions throughout North America and globally. The Chairman's leadership emphasizes a commitment to safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, underpinning the company's operational framework and long-term success.
    Derek Leathers

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

    Christopher Wikoff, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer at Werner Enterprises, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Wikoff oversees financial planning, accounting, treasury functions, and capital allocation to support the company's growth across its Truckload Transportation Services and Werner Logistics segments. This critical role involves managing financial risk, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and providing financial insights to guide strategic decision-making. By maintaining a strong financial foundation, Christopher Wikoff supports Werner Enterprises' extensive network operations throughout North America and internationally. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for optimizing profitability, managing investor relations, and securing the financial stability necessary for sustained operational expansion and service delivery.
    Christopher Wikoff

    Eric Downing - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Eric Downing, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Werner Enterprises, manages the day-to-day operational execution of the company's transportation and logistics services. Downing oversees the Truckload Transportation Services segment, ensuring the efficient deployment and management of a diverse fleet of trailers for consumer goods, retail merchandise, and manufactured products. This leadership role also encompasses driving operational improvements within Werner Logistics, which provides non-asset-based services like truck brokerage and freight management. By optimizing fleet utilization and supply chain processes, Eric Downing enhances service delivery across North America and international markets. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include fostering operational excellence, implementing cost-control measures, and ensuring the seamless integration of multimodal capabilities to meet client demands.
    Nathan Meisgeier, the President & Chief Legal Officer at Werner Enterprises, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees corporate governance. Meisgeier directs the legal department, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations across the company's North American and international operations. This multifaceted role includes managing corporate legal affairs, advising on contractual agreements, and mitigating legal risks associated with transportation and logistics services. By safeguarding the company's legal interests, Nathan Meisgeier supports the operational integrity of both Truckload Transportation Services and Werner Logistics. The Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities extend to advising on mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives that impact Werner Enterprises' market position and long-term objectives.
    Nathan Meisgeier

    Joe Wolf - President

    Joe Wolf, the President at Werner Enterprises, drives strategic initiatives and operational oversight across key business units. Wolf focuses on enhancing the performance of the Truckload Transportation Services segment, ensuring the efficient movement of goods via dry vans, temperature-controlled, and specialized trailers. This leadership position also involves contributing to the strategic direction of Werner Logistics, supporting its non-asset-based services including truck brokerage and freight management. By fostering collaboration and driving operational excellence, Joe Wolf supports Werner Enterprises' extensive network across North America and international markets. The President's role is integral to achieving the company's objectives for growth, customer satisfaction, and market leadership in the transportation and logistics industry.

    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. Schelble manages human resources, information technology, and corporate facilities, ensuring efficient internal operations across North America and international locations. This role is vital for maintaining a productive work environment and implementing systems that enhance overall business performance for both Truckload Transportation Services and Werner Logistics. By optimizing administrative processes, Jim Schelble contributes to the company's ability to deliver reliable transportation and supply chain solutions. The Chief Administrative Officer's focus includes talent management, technology integration, and ensuring the smooth functioning of all support services essential to Werner Enterprises' 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, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Legal Officer.