KCS’ Sameh Fahmy to Step Down

Written by Marybeth Luczak, Executive Editor
Sameh Fahmy, KCS EVP Precision Scheduled Railroading, will leave the Class I railroad at the end of 2021.

Sameh Fahmy, KCS EVP Precision Scheduled Railroading, will leave the Class I railroad at the end of 2021.

Kansas City Southern (KCS) on Oct. 13 reported that Sameh Fahmy, Executive Vice President Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR), will leave the company by year-end.

Fahmy, who joined KCS in January 2019, has led the Class I railroad through its implementation of PSR. Under his leadership, KCS said it has seen:
• “Measurable improvement to operating performance, including a 37% increase in train velocity and an 18% reduction in freight car dwell.
• “PSR initiatives driving double-digit reductions in equipment and improvement to other productivity measures, resulting in significant operating ratio improvement and $150M annualized savings.
• “Line of sight to additional savings and operational efficiencies.
• “A stronger and more resilient network that better supports KCS’ customers and positions the Company for future growth.”

Fahmy has many years of experience implementing and operating PSR networks. Prior to joining KCS, 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. Before CSX, Fahmy spent 23 years at CN—also working for part of that time with Harrison—more recently as Senior Vice President Engineering, Mechanical and Supply Management.

KCS President and CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer

“I want to extend my recognition to Sameh for the contributions that he has made since joining KCS in 2019,” KCS President and CEO Patrick J. Ottensmeyer said. “Sameh’s focus, energy and passion for outstanding performance played a key role in KCS’ success, and he is leaving behind a strong and capable cross-functional team that he helped to recruit, develop and mentor.”

“During my time at KCS, the team has transformed the company into a precision scheduled railroad,” Fahmy said. “Together, we have created a stronger, more resilient network while improving the company’s cost structure and enhancing customer service. I am confident that KCS will continue building on the strong operational foundation that was created during my tenure.”

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