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CSX Corp. Names Linde Veteran Angel CEO

[ October 6, 2025   //   Gary Burrows ]

CSX Corp. said Sept. 29 it has named former Linde CEO Steve Angel as president and CEO, and a member of the board. He succeeds Joe Hinrichs, who has departed from the company after three years at the helm.

Angel, with more than 45 years of experience leading large, public companies, will work closely with the board and management team to ensure a seamless transition. CSX’s operating performance remains strong, and the company still expects to deliver full-year volume growth.

CSX on Aug. 22 joined BNSF in introducing direct, coast-to-coast services, following Union Pacific and Northern Southern earlier announcement in July that they would create a transcontinental railroad.

Angel was CEO of Praxair from 2007-2018. After its merger with Linde in 2018, he became CEO of the combined company until 2022, when he was named chair. He plans to retire from Linde’s board in January 2026. He began his career at General Electric where he held a variety of management positions for more than 22 years with locomotive and rail operations.

“He is a visionary in creating long-term value and an expert in guiding companies through significant transformation,” said John Zillmer, CSX chairman. “The board is laser-focused on advancing CSX’s strategic priorities and maximizing shareholder value, and we are confident Steve has the right skillset, expertise and background to help us deliver our next phase of growth.”

Over Angel’s long career, companies under his leadership created significant and sustained shareholder value, with total shareholder returns of 219 percent and 257 percent, respectively. Since the combination of Linde AG and Praxair, the company’s market capitalization has grown by 141 percent a US$131 billion increase in value.

“My top priorities will be to ensure the safety of the railroad and our employees, deliver reliable service to our customers, and increase value for our shareholders,” Angel said. “I look forward to working in partnership with the team and the board as we continue to build on CSX’s strong momentum, advancing key initiatives aimed at driving long-term growth.”

Outgoing CEO Hinrichs said: “I am proud of the progress we have made in improving performance, strengthening customer relationships, and building a culture centered on safety and collaboration … under Steve and the board’s leadership, the company will continue to grow stronger, delivering lasting value to all our stakeholders.”

During his tenure, he oversaw the successful integration of Linde AG and Praxair, which created the world’s largest industrial gases and engineering company. He first joined Praxair in 2001 as executive vice president for North America, Europe and Asia, and was named president and COO in 2006.

Tags: BNSF, CSX Corp., Linde, Praxair, Union Pacific