OmniTRAX CEO Dean Piacente Retires, Steering Growth in East Region

Dean Piacente's Career Transition at OmniTRAX

In a major transition for OmniTRAX, Dean Piacente has announced his retirement as Co-CEO, effective at the year's end. Piacente, who has been at the helm since February 2021, will continue to contribute to the company as a member of the Board of Directors. This strategic move aligns with the company’s broader leadership succession plan and signifies a new chapter in OmniTRAX’s commitment to growth.

A Legacy of Achievements

Dean Piacente’s journey in the transportation sector began long before his leadership at OmniTRAX. With a prior position as Vice President at CSX, he brought a wealth of experience to the company. Under his guidance, OmniTRAX not only set new records in service and safety but also achieved impressive operational efficiency rates that rivaled those of Class I railroads.

During Piacente’s tenure, the company recorded nearly 60% growth while successfully attracting about $5 billion in investments from various Fortune 500 companies. This remarkable financial influx was primarily due to the strategic addition of new railroads, ports, and industrial parks within the OmniTRAX network, which has now expanded to 31 rail operations acroas the United States.

“I am incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished during my time here,” said Piacente. “We’ve built a robust rail network and strategically positioned ourselves for continued growth in the coming years.”

Planned Leadership Succession

As Piacente steps down from his executive role, Colby Tanner, who was appointed Co-CEO earlier this year, will take over full leadership responsibilities starting January 1, 2026. Tanner comes with a rich background in the rail industry, having previously worked at BNSF Railway, where he held key sales and marketing positions. His elevation to CEO is seen as a natural continuation of the leadership strategy established by the company.

“Our board recognized Dean's industry stature and the substantial achievements he has brought to OmniTRAX,” said David Garin, the new Board Chairman. “His expertise will continue to benefit the company as he shifts his focus to our East Region's growth strategy.”

The Future of OmniTRAX

In his new role as Board member, Piacente will leverage his extensive experience and relationships in the Eastern U.S. rail market to support OmniTRAX’s strategic initiatives. This not only involves nurturing current partnerships but also discovering new growth opportunities within the region.

The rebranding of OmniTRAX under Piacente's leadership to emphasize “Powered by Rail and Real Estate” has propelled the company’s visibility and attractiveness to potential industrial clients. This rebrand has facilitated increased interest in integrating rail service into the design processes of new industrial projects, further bolstering OmniTRAX's capacity to support diverse industries.

Conclusion

As the company ushers in a new era of leadership with Colby Tanner at the forefront, the strategic groundwork laid by Dean Piacente during his tenure promises to continue paving the way for growth and innovation. With a solid operational foundation and a keen focus on regional expansion, OmniTRAX is well-positioned to thrive in the evolving transportation landscape.

For more details about OmniTRAX and its innovative transportation solutions, please visit omnitrax.com.