KCS appoints Hancock, Naatz to exec management posts

Kansas City Southern has named Brian Hancock executive vice president and chief innovation officer, and Michael Naatz, EVP and chief marketing officer effective Oct. 1.

Hancock and Naatz will continue to report to President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Ottensmeyer, according to a KCS press release.

"I am confident that these appointments will further strengthen our executive leadership team, allowing Brian and Mike to apply their diverse skills and experiences in new and exciting ways," said Ottensmeyer. "In addition to their respective qualifications for their new roles, both Brian and Mike are supported by strong and tenured teams at the next level of senior management.”

In a newly created role, Hancock will lead the development of KCS' innovation and technology strategy. He also will lead the Class I's operations support, business process improvement and information technology functions.

Hancock served as KCS' EVP and chief marketing officer since July 2015. He previously held executive positions responsible for global supply chain management, operations and technology at Family Dollar Stores Inc., The Martin-Brower Co. LLC, Whirlpool Corp. and Schneider National.

"Brian has prior executive leadership experience running high performing global supply chains, which will bring excellent perspective as we chart our own course in a rapidly changing, technology driven, competitive landscape," said Ottensmeyer. "Over the course of his nearly 30-year career, Brian has held leadership roles in information technology and operations, and is recognized as a thought leader in supply chain strategy and innovation."

Naatz has served as KCS' senior VP and chief information officer since May 2012. He also has held executive leadership positions responsible for information technology, customer service and enterprise management at USF Holland and YRC Worldwide Inc.

"Mike has 30 years of experience leading transportation and logistics organizations, touching all aspects of executive management and leadership," said Ottensmeyer. "This experience will be invaluable in merging traditional sales and marketing methods with new and developing technologies that our customers will expect in the future.”