Norfolk Southern hires Barr as VP, chief mechanical officer

Norfolk Southern Corp. has named Brian Barr vice president and chief mechanical officer to oversee mechanical operations across the Class I's 22-state network.

Barr, who will report to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Orr, joins the company from Union Pacific Railroad, where he served as general manager of Great Lakes services and senior VP of transportation.

Barr started his rail career in 1998 as a craft dispatcher at Conrail and later joined CSX. While at CSX, he moved up the ranks to serve as CMO and senior VP of engineering and mechanical.

"Brian is a proven railroader with demonstrated results making safety the foundation of an efficient, service-oriented railroad," said Orr in a press release. "He exemplifies the engaged, collaborative culture we are building every day at Norfolk Southern to support our people and drive our business forward."

Barr succeeds Jaime Williams, who has served as interim CMO for the past six months.

"The partnership between Jamie and Brian will be instrumental to our continued transformation," Orr said.

Barr's appointment is the latest in recent executive leadership moves. Earlier this week, NS announced Jason Zampi has been appointed EVP, chief financial officer and treasurer, and Jason Morris has been named senior VP, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Earlier this month, the NS board named Mark George president and CEO after terminating Alan Shaw for violating company policies.