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Fortress Investment Group has installed John Giles as the top executive for both of the company's major railroad holdings.

Yesterday, Fortress announced it appointed Giles president and chief executive officer of Florida East Coast Railway L.L.C. (FECR). He will continue to serve as president and CEO of RailAmerica Inc., the owner and operator of 42 U.S. and Canadian short lines that Fortress acquired in February.

Last month, the Surface Transportation Board approved Fortress' application to gain control of FECR, which the investment group acquired in summer.

Fortress also named David Rohal vice president of FECR. He will be responsible for the 351-mile regional's operations and continue to serve as VP of RailAmerica.

John McPherson, who's been FECR's president and chief operating officer since 1999, will assist Giles and Rohal in a leadership transition. McPherson plans to retire, ending his 39-year railroading career.