Indian American lawyer, Norfolk Southern CEO fired over ‘inappropriate relationship’

Norfolk Southern fired its CEO, Alan Shaw, citing his romantic relationship with the railroad company’s Indian American chief legal officer, Nabanita C Nag, who was also ousted from her roles.

“This change in leadership comes in connection with preliminary findings from an ongoing investigation that determined Shaw violated company policies by engaging in a consensual relationship with” Nag, the Atlanta-based company, stated Wednesday.

Norfolk Southern also announced that “Nag has been terminated from her roles as Executive Vice President Corporate Affairs, Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary, effective immediately, in connection with the preliminary findings of the Board’s ongoing investigation.”

In a press statement, the corporation clarified that Shaw’s departure is unrelated to the company’s performance, financial reporting and results of operations. “Norfolk Southern reaffirms its full-year 2024 guidance provided on July 25, 2024, in conjunction with its second quarter 2024 financial results,” it added.

After firing Shaw and Nag, the company appointed Mark R. George, the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. George will also join the Norfolk Southern Board.

Claude Mongeau, Chairman of the Norfolk Southern Board, said, “The Board has full confidence in Mark and his ability to continue delivering on our commitments to shareholders and other stakeholders. Mark has played an integral role in our recent progress and brings decades of financial experience and strong operational expertise. He embodies our corporate values and is a champion of our safety culture. In close partnership with our accomplished COO, John Orr, they will continue to improve NS’ operating performance and close the margin gap with peers.”

“I am honored to take on this role and lead Norfolk Southern,” said George. “I look forward to my continued partnership with John and the entire Thoroughbred team as we further our progress on optimizing operations and serving our customers, while creating a safe and satisfying workplace and delivering enhanced value for our employees, customers, shareholders, and communities.”