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RailAmerica Inc. has a new owner. And now, the short-line holding company has a new leader, too.

On Friday, RailAmerica — which earlier this month was acquired by Fortress Investment Group L.L.C. — named John Giles chief executive officer to succeed Charles Swinburn, who will retire after serving in the top post the past two and a half years and holding a board seat the past 11 years.

A 35-year railroad and transportation industry veteran, Giles most recently served as president and CEO of Great Lakes Transportation L.L.C., which Canadian National Railway Co. acquired in 2003. He previously held various executive positions at CSX Transportation, including vice president of planning and performance improvement, and VP of sales and marketing.

Meanwhile, RailAmerica also announced President and Chief Administrative Officer Donald Redfearn, and Chief Financial Officer Michael Howe will step down. Redfearn joined the company when it was formed in 1992 and has served as president since June 2004. Howe joined the company in 2000 as VP of finance.

RailAmerica owns and operates 42 regionals and short lines in the United States and Canada.