“Jim has decades of railroading experience and the Board is confident of his ability to lead the company,” says CSX chairman Mr Edward Kelly III. “He has already had a markedly positive impact.”
“I worked alongside Hunter for over a decade and his pioneering approach to railroading unlocked significant efficiencies and value, and we remain focused on delivering on this vision for CSX, our customers and our shareholders,” says Foote. “The execution of Precision Scheduled Railroading is well underway, with the most critical components of the implementation completed and beginning to generate measurable operating improvement.”
Foote began his railway career in 1972 as a labourer in the mechanical department of Soo Line Railroad. For nine years, he worked full time in operating positions with Soo Line and Chicago North Western while earning his undergraduate and law degrees.
Foote joined Canadian National Railway (CN) in 1995 as vice-president of investor relations to assist with CN’s privatisation. He then served as executive vice-president, sales and marketing. Foote became president and CEO of Bright Rail Energy, a company set up in 2012 to design, develop and sell products that allow railways to convert locomotives to natural gas power. Foote joined CSX as executive vice-president and COO in October 2017.
