Kansas City Southern taps Fahmy to lead PSR drive

Kansas City Southern has hired Sameh Fahmy to serve as executive vice president of precision scheduled railroading (PSR).

Fahmy, who will report to KCS President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Ottensmeyer, will lead the implementation of PSR principles that are applicable to the Class I's network.

"Sameh's knowledge of PSR, and demonstrated ability to improve network efficiency and drive cost savings, will be an important asset to KCS," said Ottensmeyer in a press release.

Fahmy will work with the KCS executive team to "develop strategy and operational changes that will result in sustainable improvements in customer service and cost structure," Ottensmeyer said.

"These improvements will help us realize the tremendous new business growth opportunities we have identified, while enhancing profitability and shareholder returns," he added.

Fahmy has strong experience implementing and operating PSR networks, having worked with the late E. Hunter Harrison — considered the father of PSR — at both CSX and CN. Fahmy served as a consultant at CSX while Harrison was CEO until his unexpected death in late 2017. After Harrison's passing, Fahmy continued to serve the CSX team while the Class I implemented PSR.

Prior to consulting at CSX, Fahmy spent 23 years at CN, where he oversaw the mechanical and engineering functions, improving their safety record, reducing expenses and train delays, and increasing freight-car and locomotive availability, KCS officials said. He also led a four-year fuel efficiency drive.

Between stints at CN and CSX, Fahmy spent three years at GE Transportation in strategy, product architecture and pricing.

"I am happy to be on the KCS team, which is clearly energized and passionate about implementing the PSR model," said Fahmy. "There is great opportunity at KCS to increase velocity, reduce dwell, take out surplus assets and run a precision-scheduled and service-oriented operation for our customers."

KCS announced last month that it plans to implement elements of PSR throughout its network in 2019.