Schneider announces leadership transition: Mark Rourke to become Executive Chairman; Jim Filter named President and CEO

Side-by-side photos of Mark Rourke and Jim Filter

Effective July 1, 2026, the change is aligned with the company’s comprehensive multi-year succession planning process and growth strategy 

 

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Published January 2026

GREEN BAY, Wis. (January 28, 2026) – Schneider National, Inc. (NYSE: SNDR), a premier multimodal provider of transportation, intermodal and logistics services, today announced a planned leadership transition designed to ensure continuity and position the company for its next phase of growth. 

Mark Rourke, who has served as Schneider’s President and Chief Executive Officer since 2019, will assume the role of Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors effective July 1, 2026. In this new capacity, Rourke will continue to contribute to Schneider’s strategic direction and provide counsel to the leadership team and Board. 

In conjunction with this change, the Board of Directors has appointed Jim Filter, currently Executive Vice President and Group President of Transportation and Logistics, Schneider’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026. Filter is expected to be appointed to Schneider’s Board of Directors at a later date, following his transition to Chief Executive Officer.  

“I am honored to take the helm at Schneider and continue to build on the momentum Mark and our team have created,” said Filter. “Schneider is well positioned for significant growth, and I’m eager to lead our talented team in advancing our technology solutions, expanding our multimodal network, and driving operational growth and excellence to create enduring value for all stakeholders.” 

Also effective July 1, 2026, James Welch will assume the newly established role of Lead Independent Director of the Board, having served as Chairman since 2023 and as a Board member since 2018. 

About Jim Filter  

Jim Filter, 54, has more than 27 years of experience with Schneider, having led key business units and spearheaded operational and technology advancements. Filter has served in his current role since 2022, overseeing all of Schneider’s operating segments and playing a pivotal role in improving service quality and efficiency. 

Filter began his Schneider career in 1998, holding multiple Division General Manager roles in areas such as Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Mexico Operations and Intermodal. He later advanced to Senior Vice President-General Manager of Intermodal and Chief Commercial Officer. Prior to joining Schneider, Filter served in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and an MBA from Wayne State University.  

“Jim is absolutely the right person to lead Schneider moving forward. He is a proven leader who understands our business and our customers, and I am confident he will build on our momentum and lead Schneider into an even stronger future,” said Rourke. “Schneider’s strength has always been its ability to adapt and lead in a constantly changing environment, and I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together. I look forward to continuing to support Jim and our strategic priorities as Executive Chairman.”  

About Mark Rourke 

Mark Rourke has been instrumental in advancing Schneider’s position as a leader in transportation and logistics. Under his direction, Schneider expanded its Intermodal network, reshaped Truckload into a preeminent Dedicated carrier through both organic and inorganic growth, advanced Logistics digital freight solutions, and strengthened its standing as a leading North American multimodal transportation provider. His deep industry expertise and commitment to Schneider’s associates and customers have shaped the company’s success for decades, which will continue in his new role. 

"Mark’s reputation for integrity and expertise has long been recognized by colleagues, customers and industry peers alike. I’m confident that his leadership will provide continuity during this planned transition," said Welch, current Board Chairman. "His new position will allow us to benefit from his strategic perspective, mentorship and meaningful contributions to the business." 

This transition is part of the Board of Directors’ succession planning process aimed at enhancing the company’s ability to meet evolving customer needs and ensuring stakeholder confidence.