Former KCS President and CEO Starling dies

Former Kansas City Southern President and CEO David Starling has died, the railroad announced yesterday. He was 73.

"On behalf of the entire Kansas City Southern family, we feel shock and profound sadness for the sudden loss of our former leader and friend," said KCS President and CEO Patrick Ottensmeyer in a press release. "Dave was such a great, yet humble and understated leader, who deserves so much credit for the remarkable integration and growth of the KCS U.S.-Mexico network."

Starling retired in December 2016 as part of the transition earlier that year from his role as the company's president and CEO to Ottensmeyer serving in those roles. Starling continued to serve on KCS' board until May 2017.

"Dave had the vision and discipline to invest in this unique cross-border network through difficult economic conditions, advancing KCS to world-class status in terms of our physical infrastructure," said Ottensmeyer. "Perhaps even more importantly, Dave was a tremendous mentor to me and so many others at KCS. His leadership style is a foundation of the culture at KCS to this day."

Starling is survived by his wife, Candace, and two sons.

Starling had been acting as trustee of the KCS voting trust formed on Dec. 14, 2021, upon the closing of Canadian Pacific's acquisition of KCS. The shares were placed in the trust until the Surface Transportation Board issues its decision on the companies' proposed merger.

"We were greatly saddened to learn of the loss of David Starling," said CP President and CEO Keith Creel in a prepared statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Starling's family, loved ones and friends at this difficult time."

Since 2017, Starling served on the board of The Greenbrier Cos. Inc., where he helped guide the company during its acquisition of the American Railcar Industries manufacturing business, and later played a key role in advising Greenbrier’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, company officials said in a press release. Last month, Starling was reelected to a three-year term on Greenbrier’s board.

"We deeply appreciate Dave's numerous contributions to Greenbrier, especially his warm friendship, and offer our deepest condolences to Candace and his family," said Chair Thomas Fargo.

With more than 40 years in the transportation business, Starling had acquired substantial experience in the North American rail industry and in intermodal and global shipping logistics. He began his railroad career in 1971 with the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad (the Frisco), and over the next 14 years held various positions in rail operations at the Frisco, and later Burlington Northern (BN), when the Frisco was merged into BN.

In 1988, he joined American President Lines (APL) as managing director of stack train operations for the Chicago region and later the southern region. From 1993 to 1994, he served as managing director of the Philippines for APL and was responsible for all regional functions, including financial, legal and governmental relations. In 1995, he became APL’s managing director for the Hong Kong/South China region, then later became vice president for Central Asia, responsible for China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

In 1999, Starling relocated to Panama and was named president and director general of Panama Canal Railway Co. with responsibility for the reconstruction of the railroad and its subsequent operation.

In July 2008, he joined KCS as president and chief operating officer. In May 2010, he was elected to the KCS board, and in August 2010, he was named president and CEO.