Report: CSX to require CEOs to get medical exams

CSX Corp. will require future chief executives to submit to an annual physical exam that will be reviewed by the board, The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday.

The action follows the board's decision last year to hire 72-year-old Hunter Harrison as president and chief executive officer even though he declined to get a physical exam or provide access to his medical records despite concerns about his health, according to the newspaper.

Harrison had a history of health issues that required the use of an oxygen tank. He died last month of unexpected complications of his illness, which was never publicly disclosed.

CSX's board is expected to adopt the new policy at a Feb. 7 meeting. The vote will head off a shareholder vote on a similar policy that had been proposed for the company's next annual meeting, according to the report.