BNSF Railway Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

BNSF Railway has 7 executives leading key functions including finance, marketing, human resources, legal, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to efficient and reliable freight transportation, BNSF Railway connects North America through its extensive rail network, moving essential goods that power the economy and support communities.

Leadership Roles at BNSF Railway

  • Chief Financial Officer - Ashley Thomas
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Julie Piggott
  • President - Randy Ball
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer - Steve Bobb
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer - Judy Carter
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer - Thomas Williams
  • Chief Legal Officer & Executive VP - Jill Mulligan
  • Ashley Thomas - Chief Financial Officer

    Ashley Thomas, the Chief Financial Officer at BNSF Railway, directs the company's financial strategy and operations. This leadership role involves managing all fiscal activities, including financial planning, risk management, and capital allocation to support BNSF Railway's extensive North American freight transportation network. Thomas ensures robust financial health, enabling investments in infrastructure and technology critical for moving consumer goods, grain, coal, and industrial products. Overseeing budgeting and reporting, the Chief Financial Officer provides essential financial insights to guide strategic decision-making. This executive's focus on fiscal discipline and growth directly supports BNSF Railway's mission to deliver essential goods efficiently across the continent. Ashley Thomas drives financial performance, ensuring the company's long-term viability and operational excellence in a dynamic market.

    Julie Piggott - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Julie Piggott, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at BNSF Railway, manages the company's financial planning, analysis, and reporting functions. This executive ensures the fiscal integrity and strategic allocation of resources necessary to support BNSF Railway's extensive operations in North American freight transportation. Piggott's responsibilities include overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls, providing critical data to inform executive decisions regarding the movement of consumer goods, agricultural products, coal, and industrial materials. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight is crucial for maintaining financial stability and enabling investments in infrastructure and technology that enhance efficiency and capacity. Julie Piggott drives financial performance and strategic financial management, underpinning BNSF Railway's commitment to reliable and cost-effective transportation solutions.
    Julie Piggott

    Randy Ball - President

    Randy Ball, the President at BNSF Railway, provides overarching leadership and strategic direction for the company's extensive North American freight operations. This executive guides BNSF Railway's mission to efficiently transport a wide array of goods, including consumer products, agricultural commodities, low-sulfur coal, and industrial materials. Ball's responsibilities encompass overseeing all aspects of the railway's operations, ensuring safety, reliability, and service excellence across its vast network. The President's role involves fostering innovation, driving operational efficiency, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, including customers, employees, and regulatory bodies. Randy Ball directs the execution of BNSF Railway's business strategy, ensuring the company's continued success in connecting markets and supporting economic activity through robust rail transportation.

    Steve Bobb - Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    Steve Bobb, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at BNSF Railway, spearheads the company's market strategy and customer engagement initiatives. This executive drives the commercial success of BNSF Railway by identifying new market opportunities and strengthening relationships with shippers across diverse sectors, including consumer goods, agriculture, energy, and industrial products. Bobb oversees all marketing efforts, product development, and sales strategies designed to enhance BNSF Railway's competitive position. The Chief Marketing Officer's leadership ensures that BNSF Railway effectively communicates its value proposition and adapts its services to meet evolving customer needs throughout North America. Through strategic market analysis and innovative campaigns, Steve Bobb cultivates demand and expands the reach of BNSF Railway's transportation services, directly contributing to the company's growth and operational scale.
    Steve Bobb

    Judy Carter - Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    Judy Carter, the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at BNSF Railway, leads all human capital management strategies and initiatives. This executive is responsible for cultivating a high-performance culture, attracting and retaining top talent, and developing comprehensive employee programs across BNSF Railway's vast operational footprint. Carter oversees talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, organizational development, and employee relations, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives. The Chief Human Resources Officer plays a critical role in fostering an environment that supports the safe and efficient transportation of goods, from grain and coal to consumer and industrial products. Judy Carter drives initiatives that enhance employee engagement and operational readiness, ensuring BNSF Railway's workforce is equipped to meet the demands of North American freight movement.

    Thomas Williams - Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer

    Thomas Williams, the Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at BNSF Railway, directs the company's commercial strategy and market development efforts. This executive focuses on expanding BNSF Railway's customer base and enhancing service offerings for the transportation of diverse commodities, including grain, coal, consumer goods, and industrial products across North America. Williams oversees market research, product innovation, and sales force effectiveness to drive revenue growth and strengthen customer relationships. The Chief Marketing Officer's leadership ensures BNSF Railway remains responsive to market dynamics and shipper needs. Through strategic initiatives, Thomas Williams cultivates new business opportunities and optimizes the delivery of BNSF Railway's comprehensive freight solutions, contributing significantly to the company's market position and operational reach.
    Jill Mulligan, the Chief Legal Officer & Executive VP at BNSF Railway, oversees all legal affairs and provides strategic counsel to the executive team. This leadership position involves managing corporate governance, regulatory compliance, litigation, and risk management for BNSF Railway's extensive freight transportation network across North America. Mulligan ensures that all operations, from the transport of consumer goods and agricultural products to coal and industrial materials, adhere to legal and ethical standards. The Chief Legal Officer's expertise is critical in navigating complex legal landscapes and protecting the company's interests. Jill Mulligan drives legal strategy and ensures robust compliance frameworks, supporting BNSF Railway's commitment to safe, reliable, and responsible operations.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BNSF Railway Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BNSF Railway?
    BNSF Railway is led by Ashley Thomas (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Julie Piggott (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Randy Ball (President).
    Who is part of BNSF Railway’s executive team?
    The executive team of BNSF Railway includes leaders such as Ashley Thomas (Chief Financial Officer), Julie Piggott (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Randy Ball (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BNSF Railway have?
    BNSF Railway has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in BNSF Railway’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of BNSF Railway includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, President, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.