Flexport in Turmoil as Founder Petersen Fires CEO Clark After Just 1 Year
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Dave Clark was abruptly fired as CEO of Flexport after just 1 year by founder Ryan Petersen, who said Clark overspent, overhired, and overpromised.
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Clark and his allies dispute those claims, saying he worked closely with Petersen and the board on decisions now criticized.
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There is little evidence showing financial mismanagement by Clark, raising questions if that narrative justifies his exit.
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The firing caused dysfunction, with mixed messaging from Petersen praising then blasting Clark. Politics may have also played a role.
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Flexport now faces staff turnover, layoffs, and threat from Amazon, where Clark built logistics before Flexport. The drama continues.