ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern today named Ann A. Adams as its chief human resources officer, with responsibility for human resources and labor relations. In addition, PC Bryant has been named vice president of human resources.
Adams joined Norfolk Southern in 2001 as a Manager in Human Resources. From there, she progressed through roles of increasing responsibility that gave her experience across the business, including her role as chief transformation officer, which combined human resources, labor relations, corporate communications, information technology, and sustainability. Earlier this year, the company decided to separate these divisions and Adams assumed an advisory role to help with the transition as the company conducted comprehensive searches to fill new leadership roles, including its chief human resources officer.
“I asked Annie to step into the CHRO role because she is adept at building a high-performing organization and aligning the enterprise behind who we are, how we grow, and how we bring employees along with us every step of the way,” CEO Mark George said in a statement. “Her strong skillset, organizational knowledge and vast experience make Annie the right partner as we focus on deepening engagement, promoting excellence and delivering even greater results. As we round out the executive leadership team, Annie’s voice at the table will be vital to our ongoing transformation and success.”
Adams holds a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College and a master’s and doctorate from Rice University. She also completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School.
“I am excited to continue working alongside my colleagues to build a great culture at NS, and proud to have PC leading our Human Resources function,” Adams said. “PC is a collaborative leader who aligns HR strategy with enterprise goals and embraces data and technology to propel the work, all while staying grounded in what is most important — our people.”
Since joining Norfolk Southern in 2020 as assistant vice president human resources, Bryant has led organizational change initiatives, workforce planning, performance management, and training. Prior to Norfolk Southern, Bryant held human resources roles at CSX, The Home Depot, and Intercontinental Hotels Group. He holds a master’s from Georgia Institute of Technology in industrial and organizational development and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama.
