JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – CSX Corporation Chief Executive Officer and President E. Hunter Harrison is on medical leave because of unexpected complications from a recent illness, the company announced Thursday.
"On behalf of the board and the entire CSX family, I want to express that our thoughts are with Mr. Harrison and his family," Chairman Edward J. Kelly III said.
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According to CSX, the board of directors has named Chief Operating Officer James M. Foote as acting CEO of the company, which is based in Jacksonville.
"Hunter is a good friend and has been a colleague of mine for many years. He is an icon in the industry and we pray for his speedy recovery," Foote said. "Because the team has implemented a foundation consistent with Hunter’s vision, I do not see any reason to diminish our expectations concerning the pace and magnitude of our future progress.”
Harrison's recent illness is unclear. The 73-year-old does use an oxygen tank occassionally.
CSX officials said the company will host a conference call Friday morning to fill investors in.