Yates to head CSX's coal business

CSX Corp. has appointed Shon Yates vice president of coal to succeed Russ Epting, who is leaving the Class I.

Yates will be responsible for coal sales and marketing, and will be based at CSX's headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.

He joined CSX more than five years ago and most recently was chief mechanical officer, focused on engineering, strategy and supply chain. He previously was general manager of coal and gas services for the Tennessee Valley Authority and served a stint at Exelon Corp.

"Shon's experience in the utility industry combined with his successful operating background at CSX make him uniquely qualified to effectively lead our coal sales team," said CSX Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Mark Wallace in a press release. "I have confidence that he will leverage his broad utility experience, including energy trading and origination, and coal supply and logistics to drive new and innovative strategies in our coal franchise."