Why HDS Runs on the Co-CEO Model

Our leadership structure embraces the Co-CEO model, a system that has been instrumental in our success. Shane Hodskiss and Jordan Muir, our co-CEOs, have worked together for more than 24 years, including six years at the helm of HDS. Their combined leadership has propelled HDS to the forefront of tech-driven refrigerated logistics, revolutionising fresh food, grocery, pharma and ambient delivery across Australia.

And we’re not alone in this approach. A recent Harvard Business Review study found that companies with co-CEOs tend to outperform their single-CEO counterparts. The research, which examined 87 public companies with co-CEOs, showed that these firms generated an average annual shareholder return of 9.5%—significantly higher than the 6.9% average for single-CEO-led firms. It also debunked the myth that co-CEO tenures are short-lived, revealing that their average tenure aligns with that of sole CEOs—about five years.

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The Benefits of Having Co-CEOs at HDS

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Jordan and Shane’s extensive experience in the co-CEO model has helped them refine the key advantages of this leadership structure. Here are five benefits they’ve identified:

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1. Different Perspectives – Having two leaders ensures more holistic decision-making, as diverse viewpoints lead to more well-rounded strategies.
2. Diverse Skill Sets – Jordan focuses on technology, while Shane specialises in operations. This division of expertise allows HDS to thrive in both areas.
3. CEO Support System – Leadership can be demanding, but having a co-CEO means there’s always someone to share the challenges and responsibilities.
4. Shared Responsibilities – Dividing tasks based on strengths allows for more efficient leadership and strategic execution.
5. Continuity and Stability – If one CEO is unavailable due to leave or unforeseen circumstances, the other can step in, ensuring seamless operations.

How to Co-CEO Successfully

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For companies considering a co-CEO model, Jordan and Shane share the following five key tips for success:

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1. Always Present a United Front – Disagreements should be resolved privately to maintain leadership consistency.
2. Complementary Skill Sets – A successful co-CEO duo should bring different but complementary expertise to the table.
3. Open-Mindedness – The benefit of having two leaders is diversity of thought. Each CEO should be receptive to different viewpoints.
4. Trust Each Other’s Workload – Leadership contributions will ebb and flow over time; keeping score is counterproductive.
5. Define Clear Responsibilities – Setting clear expectations ensures accountability and operational efficiency.

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HDS Co-CEOs Featured in Qantas The Australian Way

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The success of our Co-CEO model has not gone unnoticed. Jordan and Shane are featured in the February 2025 issue of Qantas The Australian Way magazine, highlighting their leadership approach and the innovative logistics solutions HDS brings to the market. This feature is a testament to the impact of their shared leadership and the role of HDS in transforming cold-chain logistics.