Former CSX CEO Jim Foote, who led the railroad to record operating and financial performance, has died
A third-generation railroader, Foote took over after the 2017 death of E. Hunter Harrison and completed CSX’s Precision Scheduled Railroading makeover
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – CSX CEO Jim Foote, who helped turn the railroad into an industry leader during his nearly five years at the helm, died Tuesday, April 16. He was 70.
“Jim’s leadership was instrumental in guiding CSX through a transformational period in our company’s history, advancing CSX to new heights, marked by record operating and financial performance,” CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs said in a statement today. “We are appreciative of Jim’s contributions to the company and the entire railroad industry. The ONE CSX team mourns Jim’s passing and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those whose lives were affected by his presence.”
Foote served as CSX’s chief executive from December 2017 until his retirement in September 2022. Foote joined CSX in October 2017, when he was named chief operating officer under then-CEO E. Hunter Harrison. Foote played a pivotal role aligning CSX’s departments and advancing Harrison’s Precision Scheduled Railroading operating model.
Foote’s railroad career began at the age of 18, which CSX said reflected “his deep-rooted passion and expertise that guided him through various senior executive roles at Soo Line Railroad, Chicago and North Western Railroad, and Canadian National Railway.”
Trains News Wire will publish a full obituary later today.
