By Svea Herbst-Bayliss
NEW YORK (Reuters) -Norfolk Southern on Wednesday fired its chief executive officer, Alan Shaw, and promoted its chief financial officer to run the railroad after an internal probe into allegations Shaw had violated company ethics policies.
The company tapped Mark George as president and chief executive, ending days of frenzied speculation about the future of Shaw since the company acknowledged on Sunday that it was probing allegations Shaw had an inappropriate relationship with a direct report.
"Shaw's departure is unrelated to the company's performance, financial reporting and results of operations," the company said in a statement, adding that Shaw was terminated for cause.
The company also said it terminated Nabanita Nag, Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC)'s chief legal officer, with whom Shaw had a consensual relationship.
Reuters earlier reported that George, who had been in the running for the top job when Shaw was appointed in 2022, was a candidate to replace him.
Reuters also reported earlier that executives and lawyers were discussing terms of a potential exit package for Shaw, including severance, according to two sources.
Shaw had been with the company for decades and led the company during a disastrous 2023 derailment in East Palestine, Ohio that is expected to cost the company more than $1 billion to settle claims.
The investigation into Shaw's conduct comes months after the CEO survived a bitter proxy contest with activist hedge fund Ancora Holdings that saw investors vote in three new directors to the company's 13-member board.
George will join the board, the company said.
Claude Mongeau, executive chair of the board who has been a director since 2019, praised George for having financial experience and operational expertise.
"He embodies our corporate values and is a champion of our safety culture. In close partnership with our accomplished chief operating officer, John Orr, they will continue to improve Norfolk Southern's operating performance," Mongeau said in the statement.