The Greenbrier Companies is preparing for a change at the top of its leadership team, with President and Chief Executive Officer Lorie Tekorius set to retire following the company’s 2027 annual shareholders meeting.
Her retirement will take effect on January 6, 2027. Brian Comstock, currently Greenbrier’s executive vice president and president of The Americas, will take over as president and CEO as part of the planned transition.
The Lake Oswego, Oregon-based railcar manufacturer and freight-transportation services provider, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GBX, said the succession is the result of a long-term leadership planning process by its board.
Tekorius has spent more than 30 years with Greenbrier. She joined the company in 1995 and held a series of senior financial and operational positions before being appointed president and CEO in 2022. Prior to taking the top job, she served as both chief operating officer and chief financial officer.
During her time as CEO, Greenbrier said it strengthened its commercial position, pursued operational improvements and continued expanding its railcar leasing and services activities alongside its core railcar design and manufacturing operations. The company serves customers across North American and international markets.
“Under Lorie’s leadership, Greenbrier successfully navigated unique market challenges while strengthening its commercial position, advancing operational excellence and positioning the business for long-term growth,” said Board Chair and Independent Director Admiral Thomas B. Fargo, U.S. Navy (Ret.).
Fargo added that Tekorius had “streamlined the business” while making it more profitable.
Comstock brings decades of railroad experience
Comstock will take over with more than 45 years of experience in the railroad industry and almost 30 years at Greenbrier. In his current role, he is responsible for the company’s operations across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.
Before joining Greenbrier in 1998, Comstock held senior operational and commercial positions at Transco Industries, Transco Railway Products and railcar manufacturer Trinity Industries.
“I look forward to working with Lorie through this transition as we continue to advance our strategy and position Greenbrier for long-term success,” Comstock said.
The leadership change will also extend to Greenbrier’s board. The company expects Comstock to succeed Tekorius as a member of its board of directors once he assumes the chief executive role.
The planned succession is designed to provide an orderly handover at the railcar manufacturer while maintaining continuity in Greenbrier’s strategy and operations as the company continues to develop its manufacturing, leasing and freight-transportation services businesses.
