C.H. Robinson Recruits Ex-Zappos CTO To Lead Product

Logistics titan C.H. Robinson has a hired a veteran tech executive to help it adapt its operations and thrive in an industry that’s future could hinge on digitization and automation.

Starting on September 1, Arun Rajan will join C.H. Robinson as its new Chief Product Officer to lead the company’s global product development and innovation across its platforms.

Rajan, who will report directly to CEO Bob Biesterfeld, brings a wealth of innovation and tech experience, most recently as the CTO at Amazon-owned grocery chain Whole Foods. Before that, he led the operations and tech teams at online shoe retailer Zappos and served as CTO of One Kings Lane and Travelocity Europe. He also founded her own data science company called Intent Media.

In a press release, Biesterfeld stated, “As we continue to focus on creating differentiated value for the nearly 200,000 carriers and customers of Robinson, Arun’s deep experience and his strong leadership capabilities will be invaluable as we drive the next generation of innovation for our industry while creating sustainable long-term value for our shareholders.”

C.H. Robinson is in the midst of a digital transformation as it adapts its legacy trucking and freight forwarding operations to the digital age. Just last year the company announced a partnership with Microsoft to help digitize supply chains with IoT devices and the Azure cloud to improve transparency. For instance, the company can install sensors on sensitive cargo, like vaccines, to measure temperature, humidity, light, and pressure to ensure the cargo is never compromised.

Additionally, C.H.Robinson has invested in technology to create a digital matching tool to connect shippers and carriers in the fragmented trucking industry.

Rajan said, “I look forward to working with Bob and the team to lead the company’s product innovation and to further develop the product strategy and technology roadmap to deliver industry leading outcomes for our customers and partners and to help lead the company into its next phase of growth.”

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