(Source: Genesee & Wyoming press release, June 7, 2012)
GREENWICH, Conn. — Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (GWI) today named David A. Brown as the successor to GWI’s current Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), James W. Benz. The appointment comes in anticipation of Benz’s retirement in the first quarter of 2013. Over the remainder of 2012, Brown will become familiar with GWI’s diverse operations, including those in Australia, and the two will be working closely to ensure a smooth transition at the end of Benz’s tenure. Following the transition, Brown will be responsible for GWI’s 10 operating regions in North America, Australia and Europe.
From 2010 to early 2012, Brown was Executive Vice President and COO of CSX Transportation. He was Chief Transportation Officer for CSX from 2006 to 2010 and, prior to that, served 25 years with Norfolk Southern in roles ranging from strategic planning to the integration of the Conrail acquisition. He earned a B.S. from the University of Tennessee and completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University.
In 1987, Benz founded Rail Link Inc., which was acquired by GWI in 1996. Over the ensuing nine years, he built Rail Link into GWI’s largest operating region. In 2005, Benz was appointed COO of GWI. During his tenure, GWI’s revenues have more than doubled, the operating ratio has improved to record levels and the Company’s safety performance has become the best in the rail industry.