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Who Is Claude Edward Elkins Jr? Full Biography & Career Timeline
He is one of the most influential figures in North American rail logistics, yet the story of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. is one of remarkable ascent from the ground up. As the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Norfolk Southern, Elkins shapes the strategy for one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. This profile provides a definitive look at his career, from his start as a road brakeman to his current role in the C-suite, backed by sourced facts and a clear timeline.
Quick Facts: Snapshot
For those seeking a quick overview, here are the essential details about Claude E. “Ed” Elkins Jr. This snapshot provides at-a-glance information sourced from official corporate biographies and public records.
- Full Name: Claude Edward Elkins Jr.
- Known As: Ed Elkins
- Current Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
- Company: Norfolk Southern Corporation
- Appointed EVP/CCO: December 2021
- Education:
- B.S., University of Virginia’s College at Wise
- MBA, Old Dominion University
- Notable Board Memberships:
- Chair, Georgia Chamber of Commerce (2025)
- Board of Directors, National Association of Manufacturers
- Board of Governors, East Lake Foundation
- Board of Directors, TTX Company
This fact box serves as a high-level summary. The following sections explore each of these areas in greater detail, providing context for his career trajectory and impact on the rail industry. His journey is a powerful example of building expertise from operational roles to executive leadership.
Early Life and Education
Rooted in southwest Virginia, Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s story begins in a region with deep ties to the coal and railroad industries. This upbringing provided an early familiarity with the world he would one day help lead. His academic path laid a strong foundation for a career that would blend hands-on operational knowledge with high-level business strategy.
Where He Studied
Elkins pursued higher education with a focus on business and management. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise. To further sharpen his executive skills, he later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Old Dominion University. This combination of undergraduate and graduate education equipped him with the analytical and strategic frameworks necessary to navigate the complexities of a major transportation enterprise. His commitment to continuous learning is also demonstrated by completing executive development programs at both Harvard Business School and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Early Career: Operations and Field Experience
Unlike many executives who start in finance or marketing, Ed Elkins began his career on the front lines of railroad operations. He joined Norfolk Southern in 1988, taking on roles that provided an unparalleled, ground-level understanding of the business. This hands-on experience has been a defining characteristic of his leadership.
His initial roles included road brakeman, conductor, and locomotive engineer. These positions are the heart and soul of any railroad, responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight across the country. He also served as a yardmaster, a critical role that involves managing the complex flow of railcars within a rail yard. This operational background gave him firsthand insight into network logistics, crew management, and the daily challenges faced by railroaders. This foundation is invaluable, allowing him to make strategic commercial decisions informed by a deep appreciation for the operational realities of the network.
Transition to Marketing & Intermodal: A Career Timeline
After building a strong operational foundation, Ed Elkins transitioned to the commercial side of Norfolk Southern. His career path shows a steady climb through roles of increasing responsibility, particularly within the company’s crucial intermodal and marketing divisions. This timeline highlights his progression from specialist to senior leader.
He moved into the marketing division, holding various positions that leveraged his operational knowledge. He served as a pricing coordinator, manager of intermodal pricing, and group manager for intermodal marketing. These roles were critical as intermodal—the movement of freight in containers or trailers by rail and another mode of transport like truck or ship—became a major growth engine for the industry. His trajectory continued upward with appointments as Director of Intermodal Marketing and later, Vice President of Industrial Products. This diverse experience across different commodity groups prepared him for a broader commercial leadership role.
Senior Leadership: EVP & Chief Commercial Officer
In December 2021, Claude Edward Elkins Jr. was appointed to his current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. This placed him in Norfolk Southern’s C-suite, making him responsible for the company’s entire commercial strategy and customer-facing operations. It is a testament to his deep expertise built over three decades.
In this position, Elkins oversees a vast portfolio that includes the company’s Intermodal and Automotive business units, as well as its Industrial Products group, which covers chemicals, agriculture, metals, and more. His responsibilities also extend to Field Sales, Real Estate, and customer logistics. Essentially, if it involves a Norfolk Southern customer or revenue-generating activity, it falls under his purview. His leadership is central to driving growth, enhancing customer service, and ensuring the railroad’s commercial strategy aligns with its operational capabilities.
Strategic Priorities & Initiatives Under Elkins
As Chief Commercial Officer, Ed Elkins is at the forefront of shaping Norfolk Southern’s response to a rapidly changing logistics landscape. His leadership has focused on key strategic pillars designed to enhance customer value, improve efficiency, and drive sustainable growth for the company.
A major focus has been the expansion of intermodal services. This includes creating new service lanes and investing in terminal capacity to make rail a more attractive option for shippers looking to move goods off the highway. Digitalization is another core priority. Elkins has championed the development of new digital tools and platforms that give customers greater visibility into their shipments and make it easier to do business with the railroad. Under his guidance, Norfolk Southern has also emphasized a customer-centric approach, working to co-create logistics solutions that are more resilient and responsive to market needs.
Leadership Style & Board Roles
Ed Elkins is recognized not only for his commercial acumen but also for his engagement in the broader business community. His leadership style is often described as collaborative and informed by his deep operational background. He is known for his ability to connect with both customers and employees at all levels.
His influence extends well beyond Norfolk Southern through his participation on several prestigious boards. In 2025, he serves as the Chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, a prominent role in the state’s business community. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Manufacturers and the Board of Governors for the Atlanta-based East Lake Foundation. Furthermore, he is a member of the Board of Directors for TTX Company, a leading provider of railcars to the North American rail industry. These roles underscore his standing as a respected leader in both business and civic circles.
Name Disambiguation & Obituaries
When searching for “Claude Elkins,” users may encounter obituaries and records for other individuals with the same or a similar name. It is important to clarify that these references are not related to the Norfolk Southern executive. This common name collision can create confusion for researchers.
For example, search results have shown obituaries for other men named Claude Elkins who passed away in recent years. These individuals led separate lives and are distinct from Claude Edward Elkins Jr. of Norfolk Southern. Disambiguating public figures from private citizens with similar names is crucial for accurate biographical research. All information in this article pertains exclusively to the executive officer at Norfolk Southern, whose career and public service roles are documented in official company filings and press materials.
Why He Matters: Industry Implications
Claude Edward Elkins Jr.’s career and leadership are significant for Norfolk Southern and the broader rail industry. His journey from brakeman to the C-suite embodies a powerful narrative of internal talent development and the value of operational experience in executive leadership. His influence is shaping the future of freight transportation.
His focus on intermodal growth and sustainability aligns with major industry trends. As companies seek to reduce their carbon footprint, shifting freight from truck to rail is a key strategy, and Elkins is a central figure in advancing this movement. His leadership at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce also gives the rail industry a powerful voice in regional and national economic policy discussions. What to watch next includes his initiatives during his term as Chamber chair and Norfolk Southern’s performance in the competitive intermodal market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Claude Edward Elkins Jr?
Claude Edward Elkins Jr., often called Ed Elkins, is the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Norfolk Southern Corporation. He is a key member of the company’s executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing all commercial activities, including sales, marketing, and customer service for its intermodal, automotive, and industrial products businesses.
What is Ed Elkins’s role at Norfolk Southern?
As EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Ed Elkins’s role is to lead Norfolk Southern’s revenue-generating strategies. He manages the relationships with thousands of customers, oversees the pricing and marketing of the railroad’s services, and drives the growth of its key business segments. His leadership directly impacts the company’s financial performance and market position.
When was Claude E. Elkins Jr appointed to the executive team?
Claude E. Elkins Jr. was appointed to his current role as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer in December 2021. He has been with Norfolk Southern since 1988 and held various senior management positions before being promoted to the executive C-suite.
What is Ed Elkins’s career background?
Ed Elkins has a unique “from the ground up” career background. He started at Norfolk Southern in 1988 in operational roles, including road brakeman, conductor, and locomotive engineer. He later transitioned to the commercial side, holding numerous roles in marketing and sales with a focus on pricing and intermodal business before rising to executive leadership.
Where did Claude E. Elkins Jr study and what are his qualifications?
Claude E. Elkins Jr. holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Old Dominion University. He has also completed executive development programs at both Harvard Business School and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, giving him strong academic and practical qualifications.
Is Claude Edward Elkins Jr the same person mentioned in obituaries?
No. Search results sometimes show obituaries for other individuals with similar names. Claude Edward Elkins Jr., the executive at Norfolk Southern, is a distinct individual. The obituaries found online are for other people and should not be confused with the subject of this biography.
Conclusion: A Legacy in Motion
The career of Claude Edward Elkins Jr. offers a compelling blueprint for leadership in the modern transportation industry. His journey from the rail yard to the boardroom demonstrates a rare blend of operational grit and strategic vision. At the helm of Norfolk Southern’s commercial engine, he is not just managing business; he is steering the company toward a more digital, customer-focused, and sustainable future.
His story is a reminder that deep industry knowledge, cultivated over decades, is an invaluable asset in any C-suite. As the rail industry continues to evolve, the impact of leaders like Ed Elkins—who understand the business from its most fundamental level—will be more critical than ever.