Claude Mongeau, the former Canadian National Railway chief executive, has stepped down as chair of the Norfolk Southern board of directors for personal reasons, the company announced on Tuesday. The board will convene for its next meeting later this month to elect a new chair to fill the vacancy left by Mongeau.
“We are deeply grateful for Claude’s leadership over the past six years,” said Norfolk Southern Chief Executive Mark George in a statement. “He has dedicated significant time and effort to his role as chair, guiding the company through various challenges and successfully integrating our new board. Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) is now a much stronger railroad thanks to his contributions.”
Mongeau joined the Norfolk Southern board as an independent director in 2019 and was appointed chairman in May 2024 during a board reshuffle that welcomed five new members, including three nominated by activist investor Ancora Holdings as part of a proxy fight for control of the railroad. Prior to his role at Norfolk Southern, Mongeau served as the CEO of Canadian National Railway from 2010 to 2016, after spending 22 years at the company in various leadership positions.
“I am proud of the collaborative work that the current board has accomplished alongside the management team,” Mongeau stated. “It has been an honor to serve with them, and I am confident that the company is on the right path for continued success.”
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The announcement of Mongeau’s resignation as chair of the Norfolk Southern board was first reported on FreightWaves. For more industry news and updates, visit FreightWaves’ website.
