After CSX Corp. announced Thursday night that Chief Executive Officer Hunter Harrison is on medical leave, acting CEO James Foote did not give more details on a Friday morning conference call.
Harrison, who already was known to have a respiratory condition, went on leave “due to unexpected complications from a recent illness,” the company said in Thursday’s news release.
Foote said Friday he could not give more information “out of respect for his family.”
When asked by an analyst when or if Harrison may return, Foote again said he couldn’t comment.
“We just need to stick to our statement and what we said,” he said.
Foote said the company is committed to implementing Harrison’s new operating plan for the Jacksonville-based railroad and expressed confidence that the plan will continue to progress.
“Simply put, the plan works,” he said.
Foote, who previously worked with Harrison at Canadian National Railway Co., was brought in as chief operating officer last month.
He has been widely speculated as the successor for the 72-year-old Harrison, who was given a four-year contract when he was hired by CSX in March.
When asked by an analyst Friday, Foote would not discuss his future.
“It's way too early for me to discuss succession plans,” he said.
