Norfolk Southern appoints Smith and Hatfield as vice presidents; Martínez to retire
Norfolk Southern has appointed John Hatfield as vice president of corporate communications and Kathleen Smith as vice president of business development and real estate. Smith succeeds Robert Martínez, who is retiring on Dec. 1. Smith has over 23 years at Norfolk Southern, while Hatfield brings 30 years of communications experience from Arizona Public Service. The appointments aim to strengthen leadership during a period of significant change, enhancing stakeholder engagement and advancing company goals.
- Appointment of experienced leaders may enhance stakeholder engagement and company growth.
- Kathleen Smith's long-term experience at Norfolk Southern may ensure continuity in business development.
- Robert Martínez's retirement could lead to potential leadership continuity concerns.
NORFOLK, Va., Nov. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk Southern announced that its board of directors has appointed two new officers:
- John Hatfield is vice president corporate communications.
- Kathleen Smith is vice president business development and real estate, succeeding Robert Martínez, who is retiring from the company.
Hatfield, who will also oversee the Norfolk Southern Foundation, joins the company with more than 30 years of experience in public and community relations. He has served in senior communications leadership positions with large corporations, public relations agencies, political campaigns and elected officials. Most recently, he served as vice president of communications and community affairs for Arizona Public Service, that state's largest energy provider.
"John is a seasoned executive and experienced communication professional," said Norfolk Southern Chairman, President, and CEO James A. Squires. "As we move through a time of tremendous change for our company, it's essential for us to engage effectively with our stakeholders. We are pleased to add John to our team."
Smith joined the company in 1995 as a management trainee. She has held roles of increasing responsibility in Norfolk Southern's Marketing Division with a focus on research, market planning, and analysis. Prior to serving as group vice president chemicals in the industrial products group, she held the role of group vice president automotive in the intermodal/automotive group.
"Kathleen has proven to be a smart and capable leader, helping her teams provide quality customer service and achieve company goals for growth," Squires said. "In her new role, Smith will help lead our ongoing transformation to become a more agile and resilient company."
"During more than 23 years with Norfolk Southern, Rob Martínez played an integral role in some of the company's largest and most strategic business initiatives," said Squires. "Rob is recognized across the industry for his integrity and diplomacy. We are a stronger and more competitive railroad through his efforts, and he will be missed."
Martínez retires and Smith assumes her new responsibilities on Dec. 1. Hatfield's new role is effective Jan. 1.
About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.
http://www.norfolksouthern.com
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SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation
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