Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) has announced that effective August 1, 2017, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Marta R. Stewart intends to retire. With the assistance of an executive search firm, the company has initiated a search for its next chief financial officer and will consider both internal and external candidates.
“Marta has made significant contributions to NS over the course of her career, most recently as one of the architects of our strategic plan,” said NS Chairman, President and CEO James A. Squires. “Her intimate knowledge of the railroad business, engagement with stakeholders inside and outside the company, and relentless focus on driving shareholder value has positioned NS for continued success.”
“On behalf of the board and management team, I thank Marta for her service and wish her the best in retirement. We look forward to Marta’s continued leadership as we conduct our CFO search and execute an orderly transition to her successor,” added Squires.
Stewart joined NS in 1983 as an accountant and has since been instrumental in developing the company’s accounting systems and controls. She continued in roles of increasing responsibility in finance, serving as vice president accounting and controller and vice president finance and treasurer before being appointed to her current position in 2013.
Stewart has been a key strategic advisor to the chief executive officer, an agent for change throughout the company, and an advocate for NS shareholders.
“I am very proud of the company’s accomplishments during my tenure and the progress we have made in implementing our strategic plan,” said Stewart. “I will miss working with a great leadership team and talented employees, and am confident NS is on track to achieve its objectives as it becomes an even stronger, more profitable railroad.”