CSX is preparing for a leadership transition following the retirement announcement of Mike Cory, the company’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. Cory’s departure concludes a tenure that began in September 2023, when he returned from retirement to join the U.S. railroad.
The company said Cory will support the leadership team throughout the handover process, providing transition services until May 8, 2027, to help maintain continuity across its operations.
CSX distributes operational responsibilities between two senior executives
Rather than appointing an immediate replacement for Cory, CSX (NASDAQ: CSX) is changing its reporting structure. Two senior operations executives will report directly to President and CEO Steve Angel, giving them a more direct role in the company’s leadership.
Doug Ryhorchuk, senior vice president of Operations, oversees transportation, engineering and mechanical functions. He joined CSX in 2024 after spending nearly 40 years at Canadian railway CN, bringing extensive industry experience to the position.
Casey Albright, senior vice president of Network Operations and Service Design, will also report directly to Angel. Albright has spent nearly 30 years with CSX, providing considerable institutional knowledge of the railroad’s network and service operations.
The arrangement places two experienced executives at the center of the operational leadership structure as the company prepares for Cory’s departure.
Angel highlights Cory’s contribution to safety and productivity
Steve Angel praised Cory’s role in strengthening CSX’s operational performance, particularly in safety and productivity, both of which reached record levels during his tenure. Angel also recognized his efforts to develop a strong pipeline of operational leaders within the organization.
In the company’s announcement, Angel said Cory had dedicated his career to the railroad industry and made significant contributions to CSX, its customers and its employees.
The remarks underline the importance CSX places on Cory’s experience and the leadership capabilities developed during his time with the company.
A return to the railroad industry in 2023
Cory’s career at CSX followed an earlier leadership position at CN (NYSE: CNI), where he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer. He retired from CN in 2019 before returning to the industry four years later to take up his role at CSX.
His planned retirement marks another transition in the leadership of the U.S. railroad. By assigning direct reporting responsibilities to Ryhorchuk and Albright instead of immediately naming a successor, CSX is relying on its existing management team to oversee operations during the handover.
