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Norfolk Southern Names Barr as Chief Operating Officer

Norfolk Southern appointed Brian Barr as chief operating officer, effective immediately. Barr, who has led the mechanical department since 2024, replaces John Orr, who will serve as special advisor to the board chairman through June 2027 or the earlier closing of the proposed Union Pacific merger. The leadership transition occurs as federal regulators scrutinize the historic transcontinental combination that would create a 53,000-mile network across 43 states. The Surface Transportation Board granted conditional approval of the revised merger application this week and requested additional information by July 27. Barr brings nearly three decades of railroading experience. He previously held senior positions at CSX in network planning and operations, and served as senior vice president of transportation at Union Pacific. His career began in 1998 as a dispatcher at Conrail. Chief Executive Mark George cited Barr's extensive operational expertise and commitment to safety, noting his deep understanding of eastern rail network complexities.