KCS names Fahmy EVP PSR
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
Kansas City Southern, joining Class I contemporaries Union Pacific, Norfolk Southern, CSX, CN and Canadian Pacific in adopting one form or another of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), has appointed Sameh Fahmy as Executive Vice President PSR, reporting to KCS President and CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer.
Fahmy has many years of experience implementing and operating PSR networks. Recently, he served as a consultant at CSX, where he worked alongside the late Hunter Harrison and his successors on adapting CSX’s mechanical and engineering departments to PSR. His accomplishments at CSX include mechanical and engineering expense reductions and an improvement in fuel efficiency.
Prior to CSX, Fahmy spent 23 years at CN—also working for part of that time with Harrison—most recently as Senior Vice President Engineering, Mechanical and Supply Management. He oversaw the mechanical and engineering functions, “improving their safety record, reducing expense, train delays and increasing freight car and locomotive availability,” KSC noted. “He also led a four-year fuel efficiency drive.”
Between his time at CN and CSX, Fahmy spent three years at GE Transportation in strategy, product architecture and pricing.
“I am very pleased to announce that Sameh will lead the implementation of principals of the Precision Scheduled Railroading methodology that are most applicable to the KCS network,” stated Ottensmeyer. “Sameh’s knowledge of PSR, and demonstrated ability to improve network efficiency and drive cost savings will be an important asset to KCS. He will work alongside my executive team to develop strategy and drive operational changes that will result in sustainable improvements in customer service and cost structure. These improvements will help us realize the tremendous new business growth opportunities we have identified, while enhancing profitability and shareholder returns.”
“I am happy to be on the KCS team, which is clearly energized and passionate about implementing the PSR model,” said Fahmy. “There is great opportunity at KCS to increase velocity, reduce dwell, take out surplus assets and run a precision-scheduled and service-oriented operation for our customers.”
