Texas Central names McLane chairman of the board

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
image description
Texas Central

Texas Central has announced that Drayton McLane, Jr. has been appointed chairman of its board. McLane is known for his work as a successful businessman and former Houston Astros owner.  

 

McLane joined the board in January, and Texas Central said he brings experience both in business and transportation to the organization. The organization notes that this appointment comes as the passenger line connecting North Texas and Houston is moving forward in its planning, engineering and pre-construction phase.

“The more involved I have gotten with the Texas Bullet Train, the more I realize its positive transformational impact on our state and our nation. I am a business man who is meticulous about what I get involved in, and I am excited to be leading this project that leverages the capital and spirit of entrepreneurs instead of relying on taxpayer dollars,” McLane said. “The Texas Bullet Train is a game changing transportation project that may well be the largest private civil construction project ever undertaken in the country, and it is right here in Texas.”

McLane said he believes the train will help mitigate the state’s transportation-related congestion as the state’s population continues its growth.

“It is the safest, most reliable way to travel in the world and riders deserve the best,” McLane said.

McLane replaces Richard Lawless, who will remain a board member and chairman emeritus.

“Richard has our heartfelt thanks for the tireless work on behalf of this project. His effort here and around the globe on behalf of this project has positioned us well to enter a new and exciting stage,” McLane said. “From the very start, he recognized Texas as the ideal spot to deliver the nation’s first true high-speed train. And he rallied Texans far and wide in support of the bullet train.”
A native Texan, McLane managed a family grocery business that he grew into McLane Company, which is now one of the largest foodservice distributors worldwide. He also grew the company into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise that was acquired by Wal-Mart in 1990. McLane has also served as vice-chair of Wal-Mart’s board as a result of the acquisition.

McLane is also currently chairman of the McLane Group and other family-controlled companies.

“Drayton McLane’s track record of success with mega- projects and multibillion dollar companies, as well as his enthusiasm to deliver the best transportation system in the world to Texas, will provide unique expertise as the Texas Bullet Train is designed and built,” said Texas Central CEO Carlos Aguilar.

From 1992 through 2011, McLane was the sole owner, chairman and CEO of the Houston Astros baseball team. During his tenure, the Astros won five division titles, built a new stadium and played in the team’s first World Series.

McLane is an alumnus of Baylor University and former chairman of Baylor’s Board of Regents. He gave the lead donation for the construction of Baylor’s on-campus football stadium in 2012, which was a project that cost $260 million.

Tags: