Norfolk Southern Corporation (NS) has appointed Fredric M. Ehlers chief information officer, effective immediately.
Ehlers joined NS in 1985 as a management trainee and went on to serve in several transportation positions before being named assistant vice president in the executive office of the chairman in 2004. Since then, he moved into positions of increasing responsibility, serving as vice president customer service and vice president network and service management before being named vice president information technology.
He earned an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from Queens College, Charlotte, N.C.
Ehlers will continue reporting to Cynthia C. Earhart, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer, who previously served as chief information officer.
“Fred has a strong track record of leadership, performance, and strategic thinking,” said Earhart. “He has been at the forefront of ongoing efforts to expand and enhance the company’s technology and digital capabilities, ranging from computer-based systems that optimize train operations to e-commerce tools that streamline customer interactions. Fred’s background and experience will be invaluable in his role as CIO as we continue to advance our use of technology to boost operating efficiencies, lower costs, and improve corporate performance.”