The death of CSX CEO Hunter Harrison has thrown the Jacksonville-based railroad and its shareholders into turmoil.
CSX confirmed Harrison’s death Saturday saying it was caused by unexpectedly severe complications from a recent illness.
The 73-year-old Harrison was hired in March to reorganize the company and boost profits. His successor, at least in the interim, is Jim Foote.
Related: Hunter Harrison, CEO Of Jacksonville-based CSX, Has Died
WJCT Business Analyst John Burr says the big question now is how well Foote can carry out Harrison’s plans.
“It would have been much better, of course, if Hunter Harrison had been there to see the whole thing through. But he got it started. And Foote, from working with Harrison at other railroads, he knows what he’s doing so I believe six months to a year will tell the tale.”
Foote worked under Harrison when he turned around the Canadian National Railroad but this will be the first time he has been the head of a major railroad.
For more analysis on the situation at CSX, listen to First Coast Connect Tuesday morning at 9 when John Burr will be Melissa Ross’s guest.
Contact reporter Cyd Hoskinson at choskinson@wjct.org, 904-358-6351 and on Twitter @cydwjctnews.
