GXO Logistics CEO Malcom Wilson to retire

Wilson became CEO of GXO after it was spun off from XPO Logistics

During Malcolm Wilson’s three-year tenure as CEO, GXO Logistics’ revenue increased from $7.9 billion to $11 billion. (Photo: GXO Logistics)

GXO Logistics CEO Malcolm Wilson will retire next year after leading the company since 2021, GXO announced Tuesday.

Wilson informed GXO’s board of directors that he plans to retire in 2025 but will continue to lead the company during the search for his successor, according to a news release.

“My time at GXO has been the highlight of my three decades in logistics,” Wilson said in a statement. “We have an outstanding organization that embraces new technologies, keeping us at the forefront of the industry.

Malcolm Wilson

Greenwich, Connecticut-based GXO Logistics (NYSE: GXO) is one of the largest pure-play contract logistics providers in the world. It has more than 970 facilities totaling approximately 200 million square feet, with a global workforce of more than 130,000 people.

Wilson was named CEO in August 2021. GXO was formed when XPO Logistics Inc. (NYSE: XPO) spun off its logistics business into a separate, publicly traded entity. The newly created company was composed of XPO’s North American and European logistics units.

According to Bloomberg, GXO’s board turned down several acquisition offers after exploring sale options in recent months. GXO’s shares fell almost 12% after regular trading in New York on Tuesday.

Prior to becoming CEO of GXO Logistics, Wilson was XPO’s CEO for Europe.

During Wilson’s tenure, GXO acquired Clipper Logistics and Wincanton; increased the company’s revenue from $7.9 billion to $11 billion; increased adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization from $633 million to $757 million; and achieved a return on invested capital of more than 30% per year.

Since the beginning of 2024, GXO has laid off 902 employees across the U.S. amid a soft global freight market. 

GXO’s global customers include Gymshark, LG Corp., L’Oreal and Zalando. The company recently expanded its partnership with Zalando and opened the largest outsourced e-commerce warehouse in France.

Brad Jacobs, chairman of the GXO board of directors, said Wilson’s contributions to GXO and XPO span nearly a decade.

“Under his leadership, GXO has added more than $3 billion of revenue,” Jacobs said in a statement. “Our incoming CEO will inherit a best-in-class management team and strong industry positioning, while Malcolm will embark on a well-deserved retirement. I fully support this decision and wish him all the best.”

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now

Noi Mahoney

Noi Mahoney is a Texas-based journalist who covers cross-border trade, logistics and supply chains for FreightWaves. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English in 1998. Mahoney has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working for newspapers in Maryland and Texas. Contact nmahoney@freightwaves.com