Veteran rail executive Patrick J. Ottensmeyer is the newest member of The Greenbrier Companies, Inc.’s board of directors, the Oregon-based freight railcar and equipment supplier announced June 28.
Ottensmeyer’s election bolsters the board from 10 to 11 members.
Ottensmeyer brings to the board his breadth of experience as an industry executive, which included his tenure from 2006-2023 at Kansas City Southern serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer and executive vice president of sales and marketing.
From 2015 to 2023, he was KCS’ president and CEO until an April merger that created the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail line.
Ottensmeyer is the U.S. Chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s U.S.-Mexico Economic Council, where he leads the twice-yearly U.S.-Mexico CEO Dialogue. He also serves as co-chair of the Brookings Institute’s USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) Initiative, which aims to strengthen supply chains.
Ottensmeyer’s experience in operating international businesses with strong regulatory oversight will be invaluable to Greenbrier, said Thomas Fargo, Greenbrier Board Chair Thomas Fargo.
“In addition to his unique experience leading a company that connects the entire North American economy, he is committed to continuous improvement and collaboration,” Fargo said. “Pat’s leadership role in the CPKC merger demonstrates his vision for economic growth and supply chain integration. Through CPKC, Pat helped create the first fully-integrated rail freight route spanning all three nations of North America. The board is confident he will provide important perspectives as we continue to execute our strategy, drive profitability and enhance value for all Greenbrier shareholders.”
