CSX CEO James Foote will retire later this month and be replaced by a former Ford Motor Company executive.
Taking the helm of CSX on Sept. 26 will be Joseph R. Hinrichs, 55, who has worked in the automotive, manufacturing, and energy industries for more than 30 years.
At Ford he was president of the company’s automotive business until 2020. He also served as President of Global Operations, President of the Americas, and President of Asia Pacific and Africa.
In a statement, Hinrichs pledged to continue CSX’s focus on growth, technology, and improving the company’s culture.
Hinrichs also serves in advisory and board positions of various companies including Exide Technologies, Luminar Technologies, microDrive, and First Move Capital.
He previously served as a Senior Advisor at Boyden California, an operating advisor at Assembly Ventures, as well as a Director at Ascend Wellness Holdings; GPR, Inc.; Rivian Automotive, Inc.; and Ford Motor Credit Company.
He was chairman of the National Minority Supplier Development Council from 2016-19 and also served on the boards of CEO Climate Dialogue, Climate Leadership Council, and the US-China Business Council.
Hinrichs earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, graduating magna cum laude from the University of Dayton, and an MBA from the Harvard Business School.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Tiffin University and an Honorary Doctor of Science and Business Administration degree from Cleary University.
A CSX news release said Foote will serve as an advisor to Hinrichs for six months. The CSX statement said the appointment of Hinrichs was a “planned secession.”
Foote also will step down from his post on the CSX board of directors
A story posted on the website of Railway Age included a note from editor William C. Vantuono saying that during a short interview following the announcement, Hinrichs said having experience as a major railroad customer will be beneficial in his new job at CSX, and that addressing the service delivery challenges of the past two to three years will be his prime focus.
Vantuono noted that Hinrich’s experience as a railroad shipper is similar to the background of former Canadian National CEO J.J. Ruest, who had a long tenure in the chemical industry, another major user of railroads for transportation
Tags: CSX, CSX CEOs, Ford Motor Company, James Foote, Joseph Hinrichs, railroad executives
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