C.H. Robinson taps Biesterfeld as COO

C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. said today it has named Robert Biesterfeld to the post of chief operating officer (COO), responsible for the brokerage and third-party logistics (3PL) provider's five business units.

Biesterfeld, 42, takes over March 1. He will report to Chairman and CEO John P. Wiehoff.

Biesterfeld will have direct responsibility over North American Surface Transportation (NAST), Global Forwarding, the "Robinson Fresh" produce operation, Europe Surface Transportation, and Managed Services, along with the company's commercial operations and information technology. He will continue to serve as president of the North American surface transport unit.

Biesterfeld has been with the Eden Prairie, Minn.-based company for 19 years. Prior to becoming president of NAST, he was vice president, truckload. He also served as vice president of Robinson Fresh, and as a general manager in Phoenix, Ariz.