How David P. Bozeman Went from Factory Floor to CEO of C.H. Robinson

When David P. Bozeman stepped into the role of President and Chief Executive Officer at C.H. Robinson in June 2023, he brought more than three decades of leadership experience, he brought a reputation for transforming complex operations into streamlined, high-performing engines.

But beyond his résumé, Bozeman’s story is one of focus, grit, and an ability to lead with both vision and empathy.

From the Factory Floor to the Boardroom

Bozeman’s career began far from corner offices. At Harley-Davidson, where he spent 16 years, he learned the power of process, precision, and teamwork in manufacturing.

Those lessons stayed with him as he moved to Caterpillar in 2008, eventually becoming Senior Vice President of the Enterprise Systems Group, where he oversaw everything from global logistics to purchasing. This role required both operational mastery and a steady hand under pressure.

His leadership journey continued at Amazon, where as Vice President of Amazon Transportation Services, he played a pivotal role in building the company’s middle-mile delivery network.

At Ford, he led the Customer Service Division and the Enthusiast Vehicles unit under Ford Blue, combining customer-focused strategies with product passion.

At C.H. Robinson, Bozeman has wasted no time rethinking how the 100-year-old logistics giant operates. He has simplified the company’s portfolio, exited non-core segments such as the Europe surface transport brokerage, and leaned heavily into automation, delivering over 30% productivity gains in just two years.

In a volatile freight market, he’s driven a disciplined cost structure and a focus on quality margins, guiding the company to outperform expectations in both 2024 and 2025.

He has also embraced generative AI as a practical tool for operational efficiency, freeing up teams to focus on higher-value customer work. His philosophy is clear: technology should empower people, not replace them.

Outside the C-suite, Bozeman serves on the boards of 3M and several nonprofits, including The Conservation Fund and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation.

As a Black leader in a global business space, Bozeman understands the weight and the privilege of representation.

His Philanthropy

Outside of his corporate responsibilities, Bozeman is deeply engaged in public good. He contributes his leadership to The Conservation Fund and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation, among others, highlighting his belief in sustainable growth, workforce development, and community resilience.

His board roles at 3M and formerly at Weyerhaeuser reinforce a perspective attuned to both innovation and stewardship.