(Reuters) – CSX Corp (CSX.O) said on Thursday its Chief Executive Officer Hunter Harrison was taking medical leave, an announcement that comes amid of a controversial turnaround plan at the No. 3 U.S. railroad that has drawn customer criticism and scrutiny from regulators. The Jacksonville, Florida-based railroad said Harrison, 73, was taking a leave of absence due to unexpected complications from a recent unspecified illness.
James Foote, who was named CSX’s chief operating officer in late October, was appointed acting CEO in Harrison’s absence.
“Hunter is a good friend and has been a colleague of mine for many years,” Foote, who previously worked under Harrison at Canadian National Railway Co (CNR.TO), said in a statement. “He is an icon in the industry and we pray for his speedy recovery.”
At a hearing held by top U.S. rail regulator the Surface Transportation Board in October, customers critical of CSX’s overhaul demanded greater accountability and fewer delays.
Just last week, Reuters reported that the U.S. Government Accountability Office is launching a probe into the safety of increasingly long freight trains being operated by CSX Corp (CSX.O) to boost profitability.
In after-market trading, CSX shares were unchanged at $57.31.
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