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David Edwards recently stepped down as president of GATX Rail, and the GATX Corp. board promoted James Earl to serve as the company’s senior rail executive.

Elected GATX Rail president in October 2000, Edwards previously served as president of GATX's Integrated Solutions Group from 1999 to 2000 and chief financial officer of GATX Corp. from 1994 to 1999. Edwards, who joined GATX in 1981, will remain in an advisory capacity to assist in the transition "for a period of time," according to the GATX statement.

"Dave has been a valued member of the GATX leadership team, serving us well in a variety of operating, financial and strategic roles," said GATX Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ronald Zech in a prepared statement. "I respect his decision to pursue a new course in his career."

The statement didn’t indicate Edwards’ new career course.

Earl — whose new title is executive vice president-rail — joined GATX Capital's Rail Group in 1988 as director. Since 2001, he’s been responsible for North American commercial activities, including sales, marketing, fleet management, customer service and locomotive operations. In addition, he’s been responsible for GATX Rail's global structured finance activities. Prior to joining GATX, Earl served as director of service and equipment planning for the Soo Line Railroad, and as a terminal superintendent, assistant terminal superintendent and assistant trainmaster for the Southern Pacific Railroad.

"For over 15 years Jim's insight and expertise has been invaluable to us as we have grown our rail business," Zech said. "The leadership that he has displayed during his tenure with GATX will continue to be a valuable asset as he assumes this senior role at GATX Rail."