CSX operating chief Mike Cory retires; operations leaders now report directly to CEO Steve Angel

CSX said its chief operating officer, Mike Cory, is retiring, and the railroad did not name a new COO in its announcement. Instead, two senior operations executives will report straight to Chief Executive Steve Angel.

Cory stopped serving as executive vice president and COO on Oct. 12, according to a regulatory filing Tuesday. He will stay on to provide transition services through May 8, 2027, when his employment ends.

Doug Ryhorchuk, senior vice president of Operations, and Casey Albright, senior vice president of Network Operations and Service Design, now report directly to Angel.

Who is running the network

Ryhorchuk spent nearly four decades at CN before joining CSX in 2024 and oversees transportation, engineering and mechanical functions, the company said. Albright has nearly 30 years at CSX and leads the design and execution of its service plans.

"CSX has a deep and experienced operations leadership team," Angel said. "I have great confidence in Doug, Casey, and our entire Operations organization."

Angel credited Cory with helping "drive safety and productivity to record levels while developing a strong bench of leaders across our Operations organization."

Transition terms

Under a transition agreement, Cory keeps his $780,000 annual base salary during the transition period and remains eligible for his 2026 bonus based on actual performance, plus a prorated 2027 bonus. His equity awards will be treated as a retirement under their terms.

He also signed a non-compete agreement that bars competition and solicitation during his employment and for 24 months afterward. The transition pay and benefits are conditioned on a release of claims and compliance with those covenants.

Sources

1. CSX Corporation, Form 8-K (Item 5.02), filed Oct. 13, 2026 (accession 0000277948-26-000034)
2. CSX Corporation, Form 8-K, Exhibit 99.1, "CSX Announces Retirement of Chief Operating Officer Mike Cory," Oct. 12, 2026 (accession 0000277948-26-000034)

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell any security.

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