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Monday, April 21, 2025

Celadon Founder Stephen Russell Dies at 76.

Stephen Russell, founder and former CEO of Indianapolis-based Celadon Group, died at 76 of natural causes.

Russell, a New York native and son of a taxi driver, founded Celadon from a single truck in 1985. At the time he retired from its board in December, the Indianapolis, Indiana-based company had been built into a prominent North American trucking business generating more than $1 billion in revenue, operates a fleet consisting of more than 5,000 tractors, 12,000 trailers, and employs more than 4,000 associates across North America.

โ€œItโ€™s a very sad day,โ€ said Paul Will, CEO of Celadon. โ€œHe was an interesting, thoughtful and unique individual. He impressed on people to be open and say what you think. He was a friend to the employees, particularly the drivers. He always lived life to the fullest. Celadon so much a part of his life that it was like his fourth child.โ€

โ€œWe instituted a succession plan several years ago to begin to plan for this date,โ€ commented Will. โ€œOver the past year, we have promoted Eric Meek to President and COO and made other changes to our executive team as Steve stepped away from the business.โ€

Russell was a member of the American Trucking Associationsโ€™ Executive Committee. He also served on the board of directors for the Cornell University Graduate School of Management, the Eiteljorg Museum, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art.