Patriot Rail and Ports has appointed Paul D. Tonsager chief commercial officer to oversee all commercial efforts related to the transportation, services and ports business units.
Tonsager will be responsible for the growth of industrial development projects, as well as M&A activities. He will also leverage strategic organizational capabilities by aligning and refocusing the commercial group.
Prior to his new position, Tonsager was responsible for U.S. business development and shortline engagement at CN Rail. Before that, he ran CN Worldwide North America, marketing and sales for CN's 31 warehouse and distribution facilities, Aquatrain, and CN's Machinery and Dimensional business. Tonsager had also moved to Shanghai to launch and develop CN's presence in Asia. Before joining CN, he worked for Maersk and Crowley Maritime.
Tonsager earned a bachelor’s in marketing from Miami University of Ohio and an MBA from University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
"Paul brings a wealth of knowledge to the organization for both the rail and port side,” said John Fenton, Patriot's CEO. "His depth of experience in this industry will help us build upon our momentum as an industry leader, execute our current ventures, and plan for new commercial opportunities in the future. We are excited to have an executive of his caliber join our team."