CSX taps Harris as exec VP of operations

CSX Corp. yesterday announced Edmond Harris has been named executive vice president of operations.

Harris has more than 40 years of experience in the railroad industry in an operating capacity, including nearly two decades at the Illinois Central and CN railroads, where he helped E. Hunter Harrison transform their operating models to one based on precision scheduled railroading.

Harris went on to serve as executive vice president of operations until his retirement from CN, according to a CSX press release.

While at CN, Harris also worked with Jim Foote, who last month was named Harrison's successor as CSX president and chief executive officer. Harrison, who had served as CSX's top executive since March 2017, died Dec. 16 of complications from a long illness.

Foote said Harris' railroading experience will be "invaluable" at CSX, which under Harrison began transforming its operations to a precision scheduled railroading model.

"Ed joins an already strong and diversified leadership team at CSX that is focused on creating value for our customers and shareholders through operational excellence and the continued implementation of the new operating plan," said Foote.

As CSX's executive vice president of operations, Harris will be responsible for mechanical, engineering, transportation and network operations.

"The pace of transformation that CSX has accomplished in such a short period of time has been remarkable and I am excited to get to work," said Harris. "Similar to Jim, I have spent many years implementing the scheduled railroading operating plan and I am confident that I can make an immediate contribution to CSX’s commitment to delivering value to all stakeholders."

Prior to joining CSX, Harris served as senior adviser to Global Infrastructure Partners, an independent fund that invests in infrastructure assets worldwide; chairman of OmniTRAX Inc.; and board director for Universal Rail Services. He also recently consulted with Rio Tinto in Australia and Cosan Industries in Brazil.

Harris began his career with Illinois Central Railroad serving as a key member of the operating team — which included Harrison — that first introduced the scheduled railroading model to the industry. Following CN's acquisition of Illinois Central, Harris held leadership positions alongside Foote.

After retiring from CN, Harris joined Canadian Pacific, where he served as chief operations officer and subsequently joined the CP's board.