Norfolk Southern names Brian Barr chief mechanical officer

Norfolk Southern Corporation has named Brian Barr as Vice President and Chief Mechanical Officer. In this role, Barr will lead mechanical operations across the company’s 22-state network, reporting to Chief Operating Officer John Orr. Barr joins Norfolk Southern from Union Pacific where he held the positions of General Manager Great Lakes Services and Senior Vice President Transportation. Barr started his career as a craft dispatcher in 1998 working at Conrail and, later, CSX. During his 26-year career, Barr has held leadership roles of increasing responsibility with multiple Class I railroads, including Chief Mechanical Officer and Senior Vice President Engineering and Mechanical while at CSX. “Brian is a proven railroader with demonstrated results making safety the foundation of an efficient, service-oriented railroad. He exemplifies the engaged, collaborative culture we are building every day at Norfolk Southern to support our people and drive our business forward,” Orr said. “We are grateful to Jaime Williams for his outstanding leadership as over the past six months, serving as interim Chief Mechanical Officer. The partnership between Jamie and Brian will be instrumental to our continued transformation.”