INRD Names Derrick Wright CEO: Focus on Operational Excellence

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Indiana Rail Road Co. (INRD) has appointed seasoned rail industry veteran Derrick Wright as its new President and CEO, a move signaling a continued focus on operational excellence for the strategic regional carrier. Effective January 16, Wright, who has served as the company’s Vice President of Operations and Mechanical since 2022, will take the helm, bringing over two decades of multifaceted leadership experience from Class I, regional, and commuter rail sectors.

The Indiana Rail Road Co.’s board of directors officially announced the promotion of Derrick Wright to President and CEO. Wright succeeds Joe Gioe, who departed in late 2025 to join Cando Rail & Terminals as Vice President of Service Delivery. The appointment represents a strategic move towards leadership continuity, elevating an internal executive with a deep understanding of the company’s recent operational trajectory and mechanical assets.

Wright’s extensive resume makes him uniquely qualified to lead INRD, a vital 500-mile regional railroad that serves as a critical link between the Midwest and global markets. His career began at Class I giant CSX, where he gained foundational experience in key operational roles including yardmaster, trainmaster, and superintendent. This was followed by a significant tenure at Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services Inc., where as Vice President of Operations he was responsible for the complex logistics of 15 short-line and regional railroads. Immediately prior to joining INRD, Wright served as Chief Operating Officer for the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, giving him valuable insight into the passenger and commuter rail segment.

This leadership transition occurs as regional railroads like INRD navigate a competitive freight market, emphasizing efficiency and reliable first- and last-mile service for customers moving goods like coal, grain, and automotive parts. INRD’s network provides crucial interchanges with major Class I carriers, and Wright’s background in managing such relationships at a high level is expected to be a significant asset. His promotion is seen by industry analysts as a commitment to leveraging deep operational expertise to enhance service delivery and drive growth in a complex North American supply chain.

Key Takeaways

• Internal Promotion Ensures Stability: By promoting Derrick Wright from VP of Operations, INRD ensures a seamless leadership transition with an executive already familiar with its network and strategy.
• Deep, Diverse Experience: Wright’s career spans Class I (CSX), major short-line holding companies (Genesee & Wyoming), and commuter rail, providing a well-rounded perspective on freight and passenger logistics.
• Focus on Operational Excellence: The appointment of a leader with a strong operations and mechanical background underscores INRD’s focus on service reliability and efficiency as its core competitive advantage.

Editor’s Analysis

The appointment of Derrick Wright at Indiana Rail Road is a microcosm of a larger trend in the North American rail industry: regional and short-line carriers are doubling down on operational mastery. In an era of supply chain volatility, shippers prize consistency and reliability above all. Wright is not a financier or a marketer; he is a career railroader who understands the intricate ballet of crew, locomotive, and track. His leadership signals that INRD’s path to growth is not through speculative expansion, but through perfecting the fundamental business of moving freight safely and on time, thereby strengthening its position as an indispensable partner to both its customers and the Class I railroads it connects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new President and CEO of The Indiana Rail Road Co.?
Derrick Wright has been appointed the new President and CEO of The Indiana Rail Road Co. (INRD), effective January 16, 2026.

What experience does Derrick Wright bring to the role?
Wright has over 20 years of railroad industry experience, including leadership roles at Class I railroad CSX, short-line operator Genesee & Wyoming, and the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. He joined INRD in 2022 as Vice President of Operations and Mechanical.

Who did Derrick Wright succeed as CEO?
He succeeded former President and CEO Joe Gioe, who left the company in November 2025 to take a position with Cando Rail & Terminals.