CSX Announces Executive Leadership Transition as Diana Sorfleet Retires and Riz Chand Is Appointed Chief Human Resources Officer
CSX Corporation, one of North America’s leading transportation companies, has announced a significant leadership transition within its executive team, marking an important moment in the company’s ongoing evolution. The company confirmed that Diana Sorfleet, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, will retire following nearly 15 years of service. At the same time, CSX revealed the appointment of Riz Chand as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), effective February 23, 2026. Chand will report directly to CSX President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Angel and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.
The leadership change reflects both continuity and forward-looking succession planning at CSX, as the company builds on a strong foundation of operational excellence, workforce engagement, and cultural resilience. Sorfleet’s retirement concludes a distinguished chapter defined by stability, strategic leadership, and people-centered transformation, while Chand’s appointment signals CSX’s commitment to strengthening its talent strategy and leadership capabilities for the future.
A Legacy of Leadership and Cultural Stewardship
Diana Sorfleet’s tenure at CSX spans nearly a decade and a half, during which she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s organizational culture, people strategy, and administrative leadership. As Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Sorfleet was responsible for overseeing critical corporate functions and ensuring that CSX’s workforce strategies aligned with its long-term business objectives.
Throughout her career at CSX, Sorfleet was widely regarded as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and the Board of Directors. Her ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and guide the company through periods of transformation proved especially valuable during times of executive transition. Notably, she served under four different chief executive officers, providing continuity and institutional knowledge during leadership changes that could otherwise have disrupted organizational momentum.
Her leadership helped reinforce CSX’s values-driven culture, emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and performance excellence across the organization. At a company with a workforce operating in safety-critical, operationally complex environments, Sorfleet’s emphasis on people, culture, and governance played a central role in sustaining employee engagement and operational reliability.
Guiding CSX Through Transformation
During Sorfleet’s tenure, CSX underwent significant organizational and strategic changes, including shifts in leadership philosophy, evolving operating models, and broader transformations within the rail and transportation industry. These changes required a steady hand and a clear vision for workforce alignment—qualities that Sorfleet consistently brought to her role.
Her contributions extended beyond traditional administrative oversight. She was instrumental in embedding leadership development, succession planning, and talent management practices that supported CSX’s long-term competitiveness. By aligning people strategies with business priorities, Sorfleet helped ensure that CSX was well-positioned to respond to changing market conditions, regulatory environments, and customer expectations.
In addition, Sorfleet played a key role in strengthening relationships between management and the Board of Directors, ensuring effective governance and transparent communication at the highest levels of the organization. Her reputation for integrity and sound judgment made her a trusted voice in executive decision-making processes.
CEO Recognition and Appreciation
CSX President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Angel acknowledged Sorfleet’s contributions and leadership in a statement recognizing her retirement.
“Throughout her tenure, Diana has been a trusted steward of our culture,” Angel said. “Her leadership, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to advancing CSX’s long-term objectives have strengthened the organization. We are grateful for her service and wish her the best in her next chapter.”
Angel’s remarks underscore the lasting impact of Sorfleet’s work and the respect she earned across the organization. Her retirement marks the conclusion of an era characterized by stability and thoughtful leadership, even as CSX continues to evolve in a dynamic and competitive industry.
Leadership Transition as Part of Long-Term Strategy
CSX’s announcement reflects a carefully planned leadership transition designed to ensure continuity while introducing fresh perspectives. Executive succession planning has become an increasingly important focus for large transportation and infrastructure companies, where leadership stability and organizational culture are closely tied to safety, performance, and long-term value creation.
By announcing Sorfleet’s retirement alongside the appointment of her successor in a key people leadership role, CSX is signaling confidence in its transition process. The move demonstrates the company’s proactive approach to leadership development and its recognition of human capital as a strategic asset.
This transition also aligns with broader trends across the transportation and industrial sectors, where companies are placing greater emphasis on talent development, workforce resilience, and organizational effectiveness in an environment shaped by technological change, evolving labor markets, and heightened stakeholder expectations.\
Riz Chand Appointed Chief Human Resources Officer
As part of this leadership transition, CSX has appointed Riz Chand as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective February 23, 2026. Chand brings a diverse and extensive background in human capital leadership across transportation, industrial, healthcare, consumer goods, and private equity environments.
In his new role, Chand will oversee Human Resources, Total Rewards, People Systems, and Occupational Health Compliance, functions that are central to maintaining a safe, engaged, and high-performing workforce. Reporting directly to CEO Steve Angel, Chand will play a key role in shaping CSX’s people strategy and supporting the company’s operational and strategic objectives.
Chand will be based in Jacksonville, Florida, positioning him at the center of CSX’s leadership team and corporate operations.
Extensive Experience Across Industries
Chand joins CSX from AEA Investors, a mid-market private equity firm, where he served as Chief Talent Officer and Operating Partner. In that role, he was responsible for leading talent and organizational development initiatives across AEA’s portfolio companies. His work focused on building strong cultures, advancing leadership capabilities, and aligning talent strategies with business performance goals.
His experience in private equity environments has given him a strong perspective on value creation, organizational scalability, and leadership effectiveness—skills that are increasingly relevant as CSX continues to optimize its operations and invest in long-term growth.
Prior to AEA Investors, Chand held senior human resources leadership roles at several prominent organizations, including BNSF Railway, Energy Future Holdings, Kennametal, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and Aetna International. These roles provided him with exposure to a wide range of operating models, workforce structures, and regulatory environments.
Chand’s early career experience includes roles with PepsiCo Foods, The Hay Group, and Schlumberger, where he developed foundational expertise in organizational design, talent management, and performance systems. This diverse background positions him well to lead human capital initiatives at a large, complex transportation company like CSX.
Leadership Endorsement from the CEO
Steve Angel expressed confidence in Chand’s appointment and emphasized the strategic importance of the CHRO role within CSX’s leadership team.
“We are pleased to welcome Riz to CSX,” Angel said. “He is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of driving talent development and organizational performance. I look forward to partnering with Riz in building a high-performance culture that will strengthen our company and ensure its continued success.”
Angel’s comments highlight the central role human resources leadership plays in CSX’s strategy, particularly as the company navigates ongoing industry change and workforce evolution.
Academic and Community Leadership Background
Chand holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from Southern Methodist University, combining technical training with business and leadership education. This blend of analytical and strategic expertise is particularly relevant in an industry where operational complexity and human capital management intersect.
Beyond his corporate experience, Chand has demonstrated a strong commitment to community leadership and governance. He has served on the executive committee of the board of directors for the Health Transformation Alliance, an organization focused on improving healthcare quality and affordability for employers and employees.
He has also served as Chairman of the Board of the United Way of Tarrant County, reflecting a dedication to community engagement and social impact. These roles underscore Chand’s broader perspective on leadership, stakeholder engagement, and organizational responsibility.
Human Capital as a Strategic Priority
The appointment of a new Chief Human Resources Officer comes at a time when human capital management is increasingly recognized as a strategic differentiator in the transportation and logistics sector. Railroads like CSX operate in environments that demand high levels of safety, coordination, and technical expertise, making workforce engagement and leadership development critical to long-term success.
As CSX continues to invest in its network, technology, and service capabilities, the ability to attract, develop, and retain skilled talent will remain a top priority. Chand’s experience in aligning people strategies with business outcomes positions him to support these objectives effectively.
His oversight of Total Rewards and People Systems will also play a key role in ensuring that CSX remains competitive in attracting talent, while maintaining compliance and supporting employee well-being through robust occupational health programs.
Continuity and Forward Momentum
While Sorfleet’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in CSX’s leadership history, the transition to Chand’s leadership represents continuity in values and a renewed focus on future readiness. Both leaders share a strong emphasis on culture, performance, and organizational integrity, ensuring that CSX’s people-first approach remains central to its strategy.
The structured nature of the transition reflects CSX’s disciplined approach to leadership planning and governance. By aligning executive changes with long-term objectives, the company is reinforcing its commitment to stability, accountability, and sustained value creation.
Positioning CSX for the Future
As the rail industry continues to evolve amid changing economic conditions, regulatory frameworks, and customer demands, strong leadership across all functions will be essential. CSX’s executive leadership transition highlights the company’s recognition that people and culture are foundational to operational excellence and competitive advantage.
With a seasoned leader like Diana Sorfleet leaving a legacy of cultural stewardship and a highly experienced executive like Riz Chand stepping into the Chief Human Resources Officer role, CSX is positioning itself to navigate future challenges with confidence.
Source Link:https://investors.csx.com/