Norfolk Southern taps Barr for COO, Orr to remain as advisor

Norfolk Southern Railway today announced the appointment of Brian Barr to the role of chief operating officer (COO), effective immediately. He succeeds John Orr, who had served as executive vice president and COO since April 2024.

Barr joined NS two years ago as vice president and chief mechanical officer and reported directly to Orr. He has 28 years of rail industry experience, including senior leadership roles with CSX and Union Pacific Railroad. In his new position as COO, Barr will oversee NS's railway operations, including safety, transportation, network planning and operations, engineering and equipment maintenance, NS officials said in a press release.

Orr will remain employed as a special advisor to NS's board chair through the end of June, and will formally retire from NS July 1. To support continuity as NS pursues its merger with UP, Orr will continue advising through the earlier of the closing or June 1, 2027.

"[Barr] is the right leader for operations, bringing a strong commitment to safety, broad railroading expertise and a proven ability to build a fast, resilient network that earns customer trust every day," said NS President and CEO Mark George. "We are grateful to [Orr] for his leadership and many contributions to our operations, including a clear focus on safety, and disciplined cost efficiency and advancing operational excellence."