'Time for change' as Alan Shaw becomes Norfolk Southern president and CEO

Photo: Norfolk Southern

US rail freight operator Norfolk Southern has announced that Alan Shaw (above, left) will become its new president and CEO, after James Squires (above, right) retires on 1 May, next year.

Mr Shaw is currently executive VP and chief marketing officer (CMO) but the promotion is effective immediately and the executive leadership team now reports to him, the company said.

Steven Leer, Norfolk Southern’s lead independent director, explained: “Thanks to Jim’s leadership, Norfolk Southern has a strong foundation for continued success. During his tenure he has increased shareholder value by more than $30bn, implemented precision scheduled railroading, led the company through a freight recession and global pandemic and brought company leadership together in a new, state-of-the-art Atlanta headquarters.”

Mr Squires said: “This is the right moment for a leadership transition. The company is in rock-solid position, I’ve accomplished what I set out to achieve, and our board of directors has identified the right leader in Alan Shaw.”

He added: “He’s a veteran railroader who understands operations and will drive continued improvement in service and efficiency. At the same time, he has an unparalleled understanding of our customers and the markets we serve, as well as the vision to grow shareholder value in our competitive, rapidly evolving industry.”

Mr Shaw’s career at Norfolk Southern spans 27 years and includes stints in marketing, operations, and finance. He was appointed CMO in May 2015.

The move has sparked a reshuffling of the executive management team, with VP of industrial products Ed Elkins promoted to executive VP and CMO, James Kitchin, group VP of domestic intermodal marketing and sales will succeed Mr Elkins and Jeff Heller, VP of intermodal and automotive, will retire from the company after 27 years on 1 March and be replaced by Shawn Tureman, currently group VP of industrial products/chemicals.