Slagle to succeed Kemp at ABF

Slagle to succeed Kemp at ABF   Wesley B. Kemp will retire as chief executive officer and president of ABF Freight System on Dec. 31, parent company Arkansas Best Corp. announced Wednesday.
  Roy M. Slagle, ABF’s senior vice president of sales and marketing, was named to replace Kemp as head of the less-than-truckload carrier.
  Kemp, 65, has held the top spot at ABF since January 2010. During a 43-year career at the company he held numerous management positions, including regional vice president of operations, vice president of terminal operations, senior vice president of operations, and chief operating officer.
  “During his ABF career that has spanned more than four decades, Wes Kemp has been an integral part of ABF’s transformation from a small LTL carrier with revenues totaling $45 million and service centers in 12 states to a flexible, innovative, and full-service LTL carrier with $1.7 billion in revenues and 275 service centers across North America,” Arkansas Best CEO Judy McReynolds said.
  “Wes took over the leadership of ABF in the midst of one of the most severe recessions in our company’s history. His patience and guidance during this very difficult time have enabled ABF to return to profitability,” she said.
  Slagle, 57, has worked at ABF for 35, including five years in his current position. His management experience includes operations, sales, pricing and administration.