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A leadership transition at Kansas City Southern (KCS) took a large step forward yesterday. The Class I announced its board elected Mike Haverty executive chairman and David Starling, president and chief executive officer, effective Aug. 1.

Currently chairman and CEO, Haverty will continue to concentrate on the company’s strategic direction and oversee long-term business decisions. Currently president and chief operating officer, Starling will succeed Haverty as CEO and report to him. Starling will focus on execution of the company’s long-range plan, as well as oversight and management of all facets of operations, including subsidiaries and affiliates.

Starling joined KCS in July 2008 as president and COO “with the thought in mind that he could succeed me as CEO,” said Haverty in a prepared statement. “After two years, we are ready. David is a great team leader, and I truly believe we have the best management team, both north and south of the border, that we have had in the 15 years I have been associated with KCS.”

Starling previously was president and director general of KCS affiliate Panama Canal Railway Co. (PCRC), co-chairman of PCRC and executive representative of KCS. Prior to joining KCS, he served American President Lines in various capacities, including vice president for Central Asia, managing director for Hong Kong/South China, managing director for APL’s Philippines operations and managing director of stack train operations.

Starling earlier helped Mi-Jack Products create a terminal operating company and served the company as vice president. He began his railroad career in 1971 with the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad (Frisco) and for the next 14 years held various operating positions with the railroad and the Burlington Northern Railroad (BN) after the Frisco merged with BN.

Haverty has served as KCS’ chairman and CEO since 2001. He was named president and CEO in July 2000, and chairman in January 2001. He previously was executive vice president of KCS, and president and CEO of The Kansas City Southern Railway Co.