OmniTRAX taps Class I exec Tanner as next CEO

OmniTRAX Inc. has named Colby Tanner as its new chief executive officer as part of the company's leadership succession plan.

Tanner, a BNSF Railway Co. sales and marketing executive, will begin his new duties on April 15. He will pair with current OmniTRAX CEO Dean Piacente to accelerate the company’s 2025 growth initiatives prior to Piacente’s retirement and his shift to the OmniTRAX board in December, according to an OmniTRAX press release. 

Tanner’s career experience includes oversight of BNSF’s industrial products group as well as management of billions of dollars in project site selection, construction and real estate development. He joined BNSF in 2015 and was tapped as group vice president for industrial products in 2021.

Tanner began his career began with the Missouri Department of Economic Development, then expanded his industrial project site selection experience at Carter & Burgess. Next, he spent a decade managing industrial development and retail expansion at Walmart, then moved on to oversee the western U.S. real estate footprint for Sam’s Club.

“His extensive real estate development expertise and proven Class I rail record provide tremendous resources to grow the OmniTRAX North American rail network," said OmniTRAX Chairman David Garin. "First and last mile rail service is essential to domestic rail growth and Colby will help us accelerate expanded rail access for the intense customer demand we are experiencing throughout North America."