"Norfolk Southern Names Industry Veteran as New COO Amid Proxy Battle"

Norfolk Southern is set to name John Orr, an executive from Canadian Pacific Kansas City, as its new chief operating officer amid a proxy battle with activist investor Ancora Holdings. Orr brings a background in Precision Scheduled Railroading operations, which is highly valued on Wall Street. The move comes as Norfolk Southern seeks to fend off Ancora's efforts to oust CEO Alan Shaw and install former CSX operations chief Jamie Boychuk as COO. Orr replaces Paul Duncan and will be tasked with improving the company's operational, financial, and safety performance.