Watco Executive and Leadership Team

Knut Hansen, the Chief Executive Officer at Watco, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Hansen manages the alignment of transportation, mechanical, and terminal services to ensure consistent growth across North American and Australian markets. By overseeing the executive leadership team, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of safety and efficiency within the rail and logistics sectors. This role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain a competitive edge in the transportation industry. Knut Hansen drives the implementation of long-term business goals, ensuring that all departments contribute to the broader mission of providing reliable customer solutions. Through rigorous oversight of corporate performance, the Chief Executive Officer secures the stability of the company. Ultimately, Hansen shapes the future trajectory of the organization by prioritizing innovation and operational excellence in every facet of the business.

Dan Smith, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Chairman at Watco, governs the strategic direction and board-level initiatives of the company. Smith oversees the integration of short line railroad operations with broader terminal and port service offerings. As the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Chairman, the leader ensures that corporate governance standards remain high while driving expansion efforts throughout international markets. This position requires balancing immediate operational demands with long-term capital investment strategies. Dan Smith facilitates communication between the board and the executive team to maintain focus on core business objectives. By championing a customer-centric approach, the leader enhances the value proposition of the entire transportation network. Through decisive leadership, Smith strengthens the market position of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Chairman secures the financial and operational health of the enterprise through disciplined management and strategic foresight.

Kenneth Hammat, the Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Services at Watco, directs the financial planning and corporate support functions for the organization. Hammat oversees the allocation of capital resources to support the expansion of transportation and port services. As the Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Services, the leader manages the fiscal health of the company by implementing robust budgeting and reporting frameworks. This role involves collaborating with other executives to ensure that financial strategies support the operational requirements of the business. Kenneth Hammat drives the development of financial models that assess the viability of new market opportunities in North America and Australia. By maintaining strict oversight of corporate expenditures, the leader ensures the long-term sustainability of the enterprise. Through precise financial analysis, Hammat provides the data necessary for informed decision-making. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer, Corporate Services secures the fiscal foundation required for continued growth.

Greg Dallas, the Controller & Chief Financial Officer at Watco, manages the accounting operations and financial reporting integrity of the company. Dallas oversees the internal controls and compliance processes that ensure accurate financial data across all business units. As the Controller & Chief Financial Officer, the leader monitors cash flow and liquidity to support the ongoing operational needs of the transportation and mechanical services. This role involves working closely with the finance team to streamline reporting cycles and improve the transparency of financial performance. Greg Dallas drives the implementation of accounting standards that reflect the complexity of the rail and terminal business model. By providing detailed financial insights, the leader assists the executive team in evaluating the profitability of various service lines. Through rigorous oversight of the general ledger, Dallas maintains the financial discipline of the organization. Ultimately, the Controller & Chief Financial Officer ensures the accuracy and reliability of all fiscal records.

Michael Shoemaker, the Chief Operating Officer at Watco, manages the daily execution of transportation and terminal services across the entire network. Shoemaker oversees the operational efficiency of the short line railroad assets, ensuring that service delivery meets the rigorous demands of customers in North America and Australia. As the Chief Operating Officer, the leader coordinates with regional managers to optimize logistics workflows and mechanical maintenance schedules. This role involves identifying bottlenecks in the supply chain and implementing scalable solutions to improve throughput. Michael Shoemaker drives the adoption of best practices in safety and operational reliability. By monitoring key performance indicators, the leader ensures that all field operations align with the strategic goals set by the executive team. Through constant refinement of processes, Shoemaker maximizes the productivity of the company. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer maintains the high standards of service that define the organization.

Jeanetta Waterbury, the President at Watco, leads the day-to-day business operations and organizational development of the company. Waterbury oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives across the transportation, mechanical, and terminal service divisions. As the President, the leader ensures that all departments operate in harmony to achieve the overarching goals of the organization. This role involves mentoring the leadership team and fostering a culture of accountability and performance. Jeanetta Waterbury drives the operational improvements that enhance the service quality provided to customers throughout North America and Australia. By monitoring the pulse of the business, the leader identifies areas for growth and efficiency. Through the coordination of cross-functional teams, Waterbury ensures that the company remains agile in a changing market. Ultimately, the President secures the operational success of the enterprise by driving excellence in every aspect of the business.

Andrew Cordischi, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer at Watco, architects the digital infrastructure and technology strategy for the company. Cordischi oversees the implementation of advanced logistics software and data analytics tools that support the transportation and terminal service divisions. As the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, the leader ensures that the technological framework remains secure and scalable to meet the needs of a global customer base. This role involves integrating disparate systems to improve operational visibility and decision-making speed. Andrew Cordischi drives the digital transformation initiatives that enhance the efficiency of rail and port operations. By aligning technology investments with business objectives, the leader supports the overall growth strategy of the organization. Through the deployment of robust IT solutions, Cordischi enables seamless communication across all departments. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer secures the technological edge necessary for modern logistics.

Paul Leatso, the Chief Mechanical Officer( Chief Marketing Officer ) at Watco, directs the maintenance and engineering standards for the company's mechanical service division. Leatso oversees the technical teams responsible for the upkeep of locomotives and rail equipment, ensuring that all assets meet safety and performance requirements. As the Chief Mechanical Officer( Chief Marketing Officer ), the leader also coordinates the promotion of these mechanical solutions to external customers. This role involves bridging the gap between technical capabilities and market demand to drive revenue growth. Paul Leatso drives the development of specialized maintenance programs that enhance the reliability of the fleet. By aligning mechanical expertise with customer needs, the leader expands the service footprint of the organization. Through the management of technical resources, Leatso ensures that the company remains a leader in mechanical services. Ultimately, the Chief Mechanical Officer( Chief Marketing Officer ) optimizes both the performance and the marketability of the mechanical division.

Cecil Traylor, the Chief Marketing Officer, Locomotives at Watco, leads the commercial strategy for the locomotive and rail equipment business. Traylor oversees the identification of new market opportunities and the development of customer relationships within the North American rail sector. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Locomotives, the leader designs campaigns that highlight the unique value of the company's locomotive services. This role involves analyzing market trends to position the organization as the preferred partner for rail transportation solutions. Cecil Traylor drives the sales process by aligning service offerings with the specific logistical requirements of clients. By fostering strong partnerships, the leader ensures a steady pipeline of business for the locomotive division. Through strategic market positioning, Traylor enhances the brand presence of the company in the competitive rail industry. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer, Locomotives secures the commercial success of the locomotive business through targeted outreach and relationship management.

Matthew Rengel, the Chief Legal Officer at Watco, manages the legal affairs and regulatory compliance for the entire organization. Rengel oversees the legal strategy related to transportation contracts, terminal operations, and corporate governance. As the Chief Legal Officer, the leader ensures that all business activities adhere to the complex regulatory environment governing the rail and port industries. This role involves mitigating risk through proactive legal counsel and the management of litigation matters. Matthew Rengel drives the development of policies that protect the intellectual property and operational interests of the company. By providing guidance on mergers, acquisitions, and partnership agreements, the leader supports the strategic expansion of the business. Through the oversight of legal documentation, Rengel maintains the integrity of all corporate transactions. Ultimately, the Chief Legal Officer secures the legal standing of the organization by navigating the intricacies of transportation law and corporate compliance.