Amtrak names Flynn president, CEO

Amtrak yesterday announced William Flynn as the railroad's next president and chief executive officer. Flynn will succeed Richard Anderson starting on April 15.

Flynn, 66, has served as a leader in various transportation modes, including at CSX, where he was senior vice president of the merchandise service group. Most recently, Flynn served 13 years as chairman, president and CEO of Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings Inc.

In addition, Flynn has held senior roles at Sea-Land Services Inc. and GeoLogistics Corp.

Flynn is the "right executive" to guide Amtrak into the future, as it continues to modernize its customer experience and service delivery, said Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia in a press release.

"Bill has a consistent track record of growing and improving complex transportation businesses," Coscia said. "We are confident he will build upon the strong foundation of record-setting growth and improvement set by the board, Richard [Anderson] and the entire Amtrak team."

Amtrak in fiscal-year 2019 set records in ridership, revenue and earnings. This fiscal year, Amtrak is on pace to break even operationally for the first time in its 49-year history, Amtrak officials said.

Additionally, the national intercity passenger railroad is investing billions in capital assets and undertaking its largest fleet renewal, with new high-speed Acela trains entering service on the Northeast Corridor next year.

“Amtrak service is vital to millions of Americans across the nation and by improving the customer experience, driving safety and strengthening our partnership with states and other stakeholders, we can do much more for the American people," said Flynn.

Anderson will continue to serve Amtrak as a senior adviser to Flynn through the rest of this year. Anderson assumed the railroad's top post at 2017's end.

“Bill brings deep expertise across all aspects of transportation and a true passion for the customer," Anderson said. "As the company refleets our equipment, expands our services and advances key infrastructure projects like the Gateway Program, it will require the steady leadership and relentless drive for improvement that I know Bill can provide.”