Dale Decker has been named chief executive officer of The Decker Companies, taking the wheel of a Fort Dodge based trucking company that has been run by his family since 1931.

He replaces his father, Don Decker, who will retain his role as chairman of the board.

The change was announced by the company Friday and is effective immediately.

“The Decker Companies have been my lifelong passion, and it is with great joy that I announce the appointment of my son, Dale Decker, to the CEO position of our multi-generational family business,” Don Decker said in a written statement. “As I step down after more than 50 years of leading The Decker Companies, I am proud to see this generational succession take place.”

Dale Decker, who previously served as executive vice president, said he was taking on his new role “with excitement, optimism and appreciation for all the stakeholders and partners in Decker’s long history.”

“I will strive to build on the foundation that my father, grandfather and great uncle have built through years of service and tireless efforts of their own, and that of so many others in the 90 plus years of our company’s history,” he said in a written statement.

In one of his first moves, Dale Decker announced that Brad Baade will serve as president as well as chief financial officer of the company. Baade had been serving as chief financial officer for several years. He joined the company 10 years ago as assistant treasurer.

Decker Truck Line Inc. is perhaps the best known component of The Decker Companies, but the business also includes Decker Logistics and Transport Loading Services. The trucking end of the business operates tractor-trailers throughout North America. It has terminals in Fort Dodge, Mediapolis and Des Moines; with other terminals in Hammond, Indiana; Bessemer, Alabama; and Missoula, Montana.

The trucking business was established in 1931 by Loren and Dale Decker. Loren Decker is the new CEO’s great uncle and Dale Decker is his grandfather.

Loren Decker retired in 1976 and sold his share of the business to his brother, Dale Decker, and his nephews, Don and Duane Decker.

Don Decker became the sole owner of the business in 1993.