Former Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson is back in the transportation business, this time as the next chief executive of Amtrak.
Anderson 62, becomes president and co-CEO on July 12 and will take over as the sole CEO and the end of the year when Wick Moorman stands down.
Moorman will then become an advisor for Amtrak.
"Richard brings to Amtrak his experience running one of the largest global commercial air carriers. The board believes he is the right leader at the right time to drive the quality of customer service that our passengers, partners and stakeholders expect and deserve while continuing our path toward operational and financial excellence," said Amtrak board chairman Tony Cosia.
"The board also appreciates all that Wick continues to do to improve Amtrak’s safety culture and strengthen our operating performance, including the important renewal work at New York Penn Station."
Amtrak soon begins an ambitious rebuilding program at New York’s Penn Station.
Anderson spent nearly a decade as Delta chief before stepping down last year.
Since then he was chairman of the Delta board of directors.
"It is an honor to join Amtrak at time when passenger rail service is growing in importance in America. I look forward to working alongside Amtrak’s dedicated employees to continue the improvements begun by Wick," Anderson said in a statement.
