Norfolk Southern Corporation, a key player in the U.S. freight transportation sector, has appointed John Orr as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately, as announced on March 20, 2024. Orr, with a remarkable four-decade career in the railroad industry, is renowned for his expertise in scheduled railroading and his contributions to sustainable value creation within the sector.
John Orr’s significant experience includes leading the operational turnaround at Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s (CPKC) Mexico operations, implementing service-focused scheduled railroading initiatives at Kansas City Southern (KCS), and enhancing safety and operational performance at Canadian National Railway (CN). His role at Norfolk Southern will encompass overseeing railway operations, including safety, transportation, network planning and operations, engineering, and equipment maintenance.
Starting his career as a craft railroader and serving as a union representative for 15 years, Orr’s comprehensive experience has positioned him as a notable leader in the industry. He has been instrumental in driving process improvements, mentoring programs, and safety culture initiatives, particularly during his tenure at CN, where he held various roles, including chief safety and sustainability officer.
Orr’s appointment is part of Norfolk Southern’s strategic effort to accelerate the implementation of the company’s strategy and enhance leadership within its operations. His proven track record in fostering team building, employee development, and engagement with stakeholders is expected to drive new levels of safety, service, growth, and operating efficiencies at Norfolk Southern.
Amy Miles, Norfolk Southern’s independent board chair, and Claude Mongeau, Norfolk Southern independent director and former CEO of CN, both praised Orr’s operational excellence and his ability to drive profitable growth. Norfolk Southern CEO Alan H. Shaw expressed confidence in Orr’s ability to execute the company’s balanced strategic plan, emphasizing Orr’s commitment to high levels of service and customer satisfaction.
John Orr, expressing gratitude for the opportunity, underscored his admiration for Norfolk Southern and his enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s ongoing transformation and industry leadership. Orr joins Norfolk Southern from CPKC, where his leadership in operations and network planning significantly improved service levels and operating metrics.
In his illustrious career, Orr has been recognized with several awards, including Railway Age’s 2023 Top Influencer award, for his contributions to precision scheduled railroading operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Waterloo and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
