ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern is revising its managerial structure, creating a combined Transportation and Network Operations organization to be led by Paul B. Duncan.
Duncan, who is being promoted to senior vice president, transportation and network operations, will lead a team responsible for designing network operations, executing network plans, and coordinating train movements, the railroad announced.
“Since joining Norfolk Southern in March 2022, Paul has made an immediate, positive impact on our operations,” Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cindy Sanborn said in a press release. “He has led the creation of our new TOP | SPG operating plan while putting in place processes to improve service for our customers. Importantly, he is a collaborative leader, and this newly combined organization will help us drive greater momentum and help hone our focus on creating growth for customers and Norfolk Southern.”
Duncan was named vice president of network planning and operation in February [see “Norfolk Southern names Duncan …,” Trains News Wire, Feb. 17, 2022]. He previously was vice president of service design and performance at BNSF Railway. Adding the transportation department, led by Floyd Hudson, vice president, transportation, brings together all operations groups responsible for service improvement and quality, the railroad says.
In related moves:
— Rodney Moore, vice president network operations, will oversee execution of the NS operating plan through locomotive distribution, crew management, and dispatch. He previously servied as general manager responsible for operations in NS’ Southern Region.
— Jacob Elium, vice president network planning and operations, will lead the team that develops network operating plans. He previously was group vice president, automotive marketing & sales, in the marketing division, and was previously assistant general manager, crew management.
“They are dedicated professionals with broad and deep experience at Norfolk Southern,” Sanborn said. “Importantly, this announcement reflects our solid pipeline of leaders and commitment to promoting top talent.”
No experience shown except that he was at BNSF.
According to his Linkedin page, he started at CSX in Garrett IN as Assistant Trainmaster in 2002, then to BNSF in multiple roles. So maybe he does have cinders in his boots.
If NS were to follow an operations management template similar to its predecessor Southern Railway, operational control would flow from the EVP/COO through a SrVP/TRANS and a VP/TRANS CNTRL CTR to the AVP/GM of the geographical operating regions. Seems like there is some “grade-creep” in the new NS organization.
Another Duncan doodle dandy. All the NS horses and all the NS managers can’t get their trains over the road again.
Another month, another flavor.
Hmm. New CEO Shaw making his mark. More deck-chair shuffling, or a possible nudge for Cindy to retire or take a buy-out soon? Stay tuned!