KCS promotes Songer to executive VP, COO

Kansas City Southern has promoted Jeffrey Songer from senior vice president engineering and chief transportation officer to executive VP and chief operating officer, the Class I announced yesterday.

In addition to his responsibilities for transportation and engineering, he is now responsible for the mechanical function. Songer reports to KCS President Patrick Ottensmeyer, according to a KCS press release.

Songer joined KCS in 2005. He was promoted to VP and chief engineer in 2012 and to senior VP engineering and chief transportation officer in 2014. Prior to joining the company, he worked in the construction and finance sectors for 12 years.

"Jeff has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to operational excellence as senior vice president engineering and chief transportation officer," said Ottensmeyer. "This promotion to executive vice president and chief operating officer, along with the alignment of the transportation, engineering and mechanical functions, will allow for improved coordination of all the key operating functions under Jeff’s organization."