Hinrichs out as CSX CEO

Core Viewpoint - CSX Corp. has appointed Steve Angel as the new president and CEO, effective September 28, succeeding Joe Hinrichs, amid challenges in improving stock performance and industry competition [1][5][6]. Leadership Change - Steve Angel, former CEO of Linde, has been named president and CEO of CSX, and he will also join the CSX board [1]. - The leadership change comes unexpectedly after Hinrichs hosted a significant media event for the reopening of the Howard Street tunnel, crucial for CSX's intermodal traffic expansion [2]. Performance Context - Under Hinrichs, CSX's stock price did not show significant improvement since his appointment in late September 2022, and the company's performance metrics lagged behind other Class I carriers [5]. - Activist investor Ancora Holdings had previously called for Hinrichs to resign due to the lack of substantial performance improvements [5]. Industry Landscape - The leadership change follows a proposed $85 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, which could reshape the U.S. railroad industry [6]. - Berkshire Hathaway, the parent company of BNSF, has decided not to pursue a merger with CSX, leaving the company in a challenging position amid potential industry restructuring [6]. Future Outlook - CSX has stated it still expects to achieve full-year volume growth despite the leadership transition [7]. - Steve Angel expressed his commitment to ensuring safety, delivering reliable service, and increasing shareholder value as his top priorities [10].