Flexport CEO Dave Clark is stepping down from his role at the supply chain software startup, with founder and executive chair Ryan Petersen returning to lead the company. Clark’s resignation comes after just one year in the CEO position and six months of solo leadership at Flexport. In a statement posted on social media, Clark cited Petersen’s desire to focus on the core freight business as the reason for his departure, stating that Petersen is best suited to lead the company in that direction.
The abrupt leadership change was not communicated to investors prior to the public announcement, according to an early Flexport investor. Clark’s career has been closely associated with Amazon, where he played a pivotal role in building the company’s logistics and fulfillment network. He recently resigned as CEO of Amazon’s worldwide consumer business.
Petersen, who founded Flexport in 2013 with the aim of revolutionizing global goods management, had previously stepped down as CEO in March 2023, handing over the reins to Clark. Now, Petersen is returning to the CEO position.
Clark’s departure from Flexport also follows the news that he is considering running for governor in Texas, where he resides. Flexport had gained recognition as a disruptor in the logistics industry, making it to the top of CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list in the previous year.
As of the time of reporting, representatives from Flexport and Founders Fund, where Petersen is expected to join, have not responded to CNBC’s requests for comments on the leadership change.
