DENVER – Shortline holding company OmniTRAX today (April 2, 2025) named BNSF Railway sales and marketing executive Colby Tanner as its next CEO.
Tanner, who brings a combination of railroad and real estate development experience to OmniTRAX, will begin working at OmniTRAX on April 15 alongside current CEO Dean Piacente. The duo aims to accelerate the company’s growth initiatives prior to Piacente’s scheduled retirement and shift to the OmniTRAX board of directors in December.
“Colby’s real estate development expertise is the ideal complement to our rail and real estate logistics platform,” Pat Broe, the founder of OmniTRAX owner The Broe Group, said in a statement. “The current demand for domestic rail served sites is unprecedented and OmniTRAX continues to deliver award-winning projects for industry leaders across North America. Colby’s dynamic real estate experience pairs perfectly with OmniTRAX Chairman David Garin’s BNSF Railway commercial relationships and Dean Piacente’s CSX Transportation expertise to create an unparalleled national knowledge network to drive company-wide growth.”
Tanner has served as BNSF’s group vice president of industrial products since October 2021. He also managed the railway’s project site selection, construction, and real estate development.
Tanner’s experience includes roles at the Missouri Department of Economic Development, worked in industrial site selection, and managed industrial development and retail expansion for Walmart and Sam’s Club. He joined BNSF in 2015.
“Colby is well positioned to lead our immediate and long-term company growth,” OmniTRAX Board Chairman David Garin said in a statement. “His extensive real estate development expertise and proven Class I rail record provide tremendous resources to grow the OmniTRAX North American rail network. First and last mile rail service is essential to domestic rail growth and Colby will help us accelerate expanded rail access for the intense customer demand we are experiencing throughout North America.”
Tanner sees opportunity in OmniTRAX’s entrepreneurial approach to bringing customers to rail through the company’s fully integrated rail and real estate development capacity.
“OmniTRAX is the fastest growing domestic railroad for good reason. Their growth strategy, resources, and leadership are unique,” Tanner said. “The competitive benefits of pairing rail and real estate are undeniable. At BNSF Railway, I have seen its powerful impact on supply chains across industry and I am excited to lead a company that recognizes this transformative power.”
