Americold Realty Trust, Inc., a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics, real estate, and value-added services, announced the company’s board of directors has unanimously appointed Robert S. Chambers as chief executive officer and a member of the Board of Directors of Americold, effective September 1. 

Chambers’ appointment follows George Chappelle’s decision to retire from the company and board following a distinguished four-decade career.

Chambers has extensive leadership experience in warehouse and supply chain management, as well as considerable financial and operational expertise. He currently serves as Americold’s president, overseeing the company’s global operations including, commercial strategy, sales, engineering, development, information technology, customer experience, and supply chain innovation. 

Throughout his 12-year career with Americold, he has played a key role in shaping the company’s commercial business practices and corporate strategy across a variety of end-market conditions. 

Prior to Chambers’ current role, he served as president, Americas; executive vice president and chief commercial officer; and vice president of commercial finance.

"Rob is a seasoned industry executive with deep institutional and industry knowledge,” said Mark Patterson, Americold’s board chairman and chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance committees. “His contributions to the business over the past 12 years have been instrumental to Americold's success, and his strategic vision and experience make him the ideal leader to guide the company, its people and investments into the future. Rob’s background in supply chain and logistics has brought new perspectives to the business, setting standards for commercial excellence across the industry, while unlocking unique opportunities with our strategic partners and customers. He has demonstrated strong leadership, and along with the company’s deep and talented executive team, we are confident that Rob will continue to advance Americold’s strategic priorities and position it to deliver long-term value for all stakeholders.

On behalf of the board of directors, I want to thank George for his invaluable leadership and contributions to Americold. His strategic vision and passion for operational excellence have established a strong foundation for continued growth and success. The board and leadership team extend their deep appreciation for his service to Americold and wish him the best in his well-earned retirement,” Patterson said

Beyond his experience with Americold, Chambers has a broad background in supply chain and logistics, including serving as CEO of Saia Inc., a publicly listed transportation and logistics company, as well as leadership roles at CEVA Logistics. He currently serves on the boards of the Global Cold Chain Alliance and the Stetson University School of Business.

“I’m honored to take on the CEO role for Americold and look forward to working alongside our talented and dedicated team of associates around the globe,” Chambers said. “We have an opportunity to build on our reputation for service and operational excellence and position Americold as the provider of choice to the world's largest food manufacturers, distributors and retailers. I believe we have the right people, assets and strategy to unlock the long-term growth potential for our business and I'm excited by the opportunities ahead.”

About Americold
Americold is a global leader in temperature-controlled logistics and real estate, with a more than 120-year legacy of innovation and reliability. With more than 230 facilities across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and South America – totaling approximately 1.5 billion refrigerated cubic feet – Americold ensures the safe, efficient movement of refrigerated products worldwide. Our facilities are an integral part of the global food supply chain, connecting producers, processors, distributors, and retailers with tailored, value-added services supported by responsive and reliable supply chains. Leveraging deep industry expertise, smart technology, and sustainable practices, Americold delivers world-class service that creates lasting value for our customers and the communities we serve.