Cowan appointed President, Greenbrier International

The Greenbrier Companies Inc. has appointed Jim Cowan President of Greenbrier International, reporting to Greenbrier Chairman and CEO William A. Furman.

Cowan retains his role as CEO of GBW Railcar Services LLC, a 50/50 railcar repair and refurbishment joint venture with Watco Companies LLC. Ray Pericola, who has served at GBW since its creation in 2014, has been promoted to President, reporting to Cowan.

“In this newly created role, Cowan’s broad experience in manufacturing and the rail industry will support Greenbrier’s rapidly-growing international operations,” the company said. “Cowan’s responsibilities extend to all railcar markets outside the Americas and include international project coordination with Greenbrier’s Global Manufacturing Organization (GMO). He will work closely with Alejandro Centurion, President of GMO, and Martin Graham, Executive Vice President, GMO.”

Cowan is well known in the railcar industry with decades of experience in senior leadership positions. Prior to joining Greenbrier in 2014, he worked for Amsted Rail, supporting activities in Brazil. Previously, Cowan served as President and CEO of American Railcar Industries Inc. (ARI), where he had oversight of ARI’s activities in international rail markets where Greenbrier is currently active.

“Today, Greenbrier serves railcar markets from our facilities in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Brazil. Greenbrier’s presence is also rapidly growing in emerging railcar markets that we can serve from Europe including markets in the Middle East, Africa and Eurasia,” Furman said. “I have asked Jim to take on this new role to more fully focus Greenbrier on global business opportunities. I am pleased that he will bring important new leadership to our international activities.”