Greenbrier taps Tekorius for new COO role

Downes promoted to acting CFO of railcar and barge builder.    The Greenbrier Companies Inc. on Tuesday announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Lorie Tekorius has been named EVP and chief operating officer by its board of directors.
   In her newly created COO role, Tekorius takes leadership of Greenbrier’s wheels, parts and repair operating unit and additional responsibility of human resources and corporate safety and security. She will continue to report to William A. Furman, chairman, president and chief executive officer.
   Rick Turner, senior vice president for wheels, parts and repair, will report to Tekorius. He will manage 24 wheels, parts and repair shops, double the number of locations in the Greenbrier shop network after the dissolution of the GBW Railcar Services join venture and the return of Greenbrier’s shops announced Aug. 20. Greenbrier designs, builds and markets freight railcars and marine barges.
   Adrian Downes has been promoted to acting CFO and continues to report to Tekorius. Downes, who joined Greenbrier in 2013 as chief accounting officer, has more than 30 years of accounting and finance experience.
   Tekorius continues management of corporate strategy and oversight of Greenbrier’s financial team as well as investor relations and planning led by Justin Roberts, vice president of corporate finance and treasurer. Additionally, she chairs Greenbrier’s executive committee comprised of senior management.
   Tekorius has been with Lake Oswego, Ore.-based Greenbrier in various financial capacities for 23 years. She was appointed CFO in February 2016 and executive vice president and chair of the executive committee in April 2017.
   Furman said Tekorius’ promotion “demonstrates Greenbrier’s emphasis on growing from within as we continue to plan our future. In her enhanced role, Lorie will help Greenbrief focus our energies on management’s strategic plan to emphasize growth and scale while building our bench of talent and sharpening our succession plans throughout the company.”