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2/17/2022
Norfolk Southern Railway has hired Paul Duncan as vice president of network planning and operations. He will succeed John Friedmann, who is retiring March 1 after 27 years with NS.
Duncan currently serves as VP of service design and performance for BNSF Railway Co., where he formulates service plans for the Class I’s bulk, intermodal and merchandise operations. He has 19 years of experience across the company’s operations and transportation segments.
In his new role at NS, Duncan will lead network planning and operations, a newly combined organization that consists of network planning and optimization (NPO) and the network operations center (NOC). The NPO develops network operating plans that drive service, productivity and growth. The NOC executes the operating plan through locomotive distribution, crew management and dispatch.
Joining those two functions will improve alignment between the team responsible for developing an effective operating plan and the team that helps to implement it, NS officials said in a press release.
When Duncan joins NS in March, he will report to Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer Cindy Sanborn.
"Paul’s extensive experience creating strategies that improve service, productivity, and growth will be critical to us as we formulate and implement ... our new operating plan," said Sanborn. "Importantly, he has played a significant role leading teams that have increased train size, grown market share, enhanced service and improved fuel efficiency — resulting in improved and more efficient operations."
Meanwhile, Sanborn congratulated Friedmann on a distinguished career at NS.
"John led the transformation of our network operating plans, which has been a driving force behind our company’s growth," she said. "His deep understanding of the North American railroad network, and experience in operations, marketing, and strategy has been invaluable to our success and he has made a lasting positive impact throughout our organization."