NORFOLK, Va., Jan. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Norfolk  Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) announced today that Michael F. "Mike" Cox has been named vice president taxation, effective March 1. Cox will succeed Robert M. "Rob" Kesler, who is retiring.

Joining Norfolk Southern in 2000 as assistant tax counsel, Cox has held positions of increasing responsibility during his nearly 19 years with the railroad. Before coming to Norfolk Southern, Cox spent more than a decade in private industry and with the federal government, including serving as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice's tax division. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Virginia, a master's degree from Georgetown University, and a law degree from the College of William and Mary.

Cox will be based in Norfolk until the Tax Department relocates to Atlanta in early summer, and he will report to Cynthia Earhart, executive vice president finance and chief financial officer.

"With his wealth of institutional knowledge and deep experience in corporate tax law, Mike will continue to serve Norfolk Southern and our shareholders well in his new role," Earhart said. "Norfolk Southern continuously navigates a range of federal, state, and local tax laws, and Mike is uniquely qualified to lead that effort."

Kesler will retire after nearly 28 years with Norfolk Southern, where he has served as vice president taxation since 2005. Kesler began his career with the railroad in 1991 as a general tax attorney.

"Over the years, Rob has ably guided Norfolk Southern through a complex and ever-changing tax regulatory framework," said James A. Squires, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We are grateful for the support he has contributed on so many issues during his nearly three decades of service."

About Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a major transporter of coal, automotive, and industrial products.

http://www.norfolksouthern.com

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SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation