Michael Gerdin has been the CEO of Heartland Express Inc since 2011, stepping into the role after his father, Russell Gerdin, retired for health reasons. With a long history at the company, Michael took on various roles starting from 1992,...
Michael Gerdin has been the CEO of Heartland Express Inc since 2011, stepping into the role after his father, Russell Gerdin, retired for health reasons. With a long history at the company, Michael took on various roles starting from 1992, leading up to President before becoming CEO. He has focused on operations within the trucking industry, which is a massive part of the U.S. economy. He owns a significant portion of the company—over 42% of the stock—giving him a strong incentive to succeed. His salary in 2022 was $839,665, but he does not receive bonuses or stock options, reflecting a conservative compensation strategy that aligns with shareholder interests. Interestingly, Michael has not received any stock awards or options in recent years, suggesting a belief in investing his wealth into the company's future. Under his leadership, Heartland Express has navigated challenges and maintained a focus on operational efficiency and growth in revenue and net income.