Norfolk Southern named Brian Barr chief operating officer on June 1, 2026, replacing John Orr in the role as the railroad moved to reset its operations leadership.
Barr had been with Norfolk Southern for two years, leading the Mechanical department since September 2024. In that time, the company said he delivered “significant improvements” in safety performance, including lower FRA reportable injuries and fewer mechanical-caused derailments.
His appointment comes after more than 28 years in railroading. Barr spent over a decade leading transportation teams in the East and held senior roles at CSX and Union Pacific before joining Norfolk Southern. His earlier positions included terminal superintendent, senior vice president of network planning and services, senior vice president of operations, chief mechanical officer, senior vice president engineering and mechanical, senior vice president transportation, and general manager of Great Lakes Services. He began his career in 1998 as a craft dispatcher at Conrail.
Orr’s departure was also outlined. He will remain employed as a special advisor to the chair of the board through June 30, 2026, then retire effective July 1, 2026. After retirement, he will continue as a special advisor through the earlier of the Union Pacific merger closing or June 1, 2027.
Norfolk Southern said it operates a 22-state freight network, delivers about 7 million carloads a year, and helps customers avoid approximately 15 million tons of carbon emissions annually through rail shipping. Today the company's shares have moved -0.16% to a price of $304.46. If you want to know more, read the company's complete 8-K report here.
