CSX announces VP appointments in finance, commercial

CSX Corporation has appointed three veteran leaders of the company to new positions. Dean Piacente, currently vice president of chemicals and fertilizer, has been named vice president of finance. In this role he will be directly responsible for the overall financial management of the corporation, which includes budgeting, capital planning, forecasting, financial analysis and interfacing with business partners. Fredrik Eliasson, currently vice president of emerging markets, has been named vice president of chemicals and fertilizer, responsible for CSX's commercial activities in the chemicals, phosphates and fertilizers markets. Derrick Smith, currently vice president of finance, returns to the sales and marketing department as vice president of emerging markets. In this role he will be responsible for CSX's commercial activities in the aggregates, processed materials, waste, military and machinery markets. He also will have responsibility for TRANSFLO, CSX de Mexico, regional development, inside sales and international traffic through eastern and Gulf Coast ports. "These changes are consistent with our tradition of building a strong, broad-based leadership organization focused on customer and employee excellence," said Michael Ward, CSX chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Dean, Fredrik and Derrick are exemplary leaders of CSX. Each brings a variety of experiences and strengths to his role."