UP's Knight named 'Best' CFO; Class I to hike train speed in Minnesota

Union Pacific Railroad Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Rob Knight has been named Best CFO for the fifth consecutive year by Institutional Investor magazine.

Knight was named to the publication's 2018 All-America Executive Team list of transportation companies. He topped the Best CFO lists in the overall and buy-side categories, according to a UP press release.

The magazine determines the rankings after an annual survey of the country's top analysts and portfolio managers. UP also received high marks in the Best Investor Relations Program and Analyst Days categories.

Knight is responsible for all of UP's financial activities. He is a member of the Grupo Ferroviario Mexicano and TTX Co. boards of directors. He began his career with UP in 1980. Earlier positions at the company include vice president and general manager-energy, vice president and general manager-automotive and senior vice president-finance.

Meanwhile, UP announced yesterday that it will increase the maximum track speed limit in Bigelow, Minnesota, starting next week.

Train speeds at the Palm Avenue, 280th Street, 290th Street and 340th Street crossings will increase in weekly 5 mph increments from 40 mph starting Jan. 22 until reaching the 49 mph speed limit on Jan. 29.

The increased speed limit follows a rail improvement project that strengthened infrastructure to allow for faster trains.

UP announced last year that it planned to invest $14 million in Minnesota in 2017 to support the state's current and future freight transportation needs and to enhance safety and efficiency.