Greenbrier Plans Leadership Transition as Lorie Tekorius Retires, Brian Comstock Takes the Helm

Greenbrier Announces Leadership Transition

Greenbrier Companies, Inc., a prominent name in global freight transportation equipment and services, has revealed plans for a significant leadership change. Effective January 6, 2027, Lorie Tekorius, the current CEO and President, will retire. Brian Comstock, who is currently the Executive Vice President and President for the Americas, will take over as President and CEO following this transition.

Lorie Tekorius has been an integral part of Greenbrier for more than thirty years, playing a pivotal role in shaping the company’s operational strategies and achievements. Her journey at Greenbrier began in 1995 and spanned various leadership positions, culminating in her appointment as CEO and President in 2022. Under her guidance, Greenbrier has solidified its position as a leading designer and manufacturer of freight railcars, expanding customer relations, and enhancing operational performance.

During her time in office, Tekorius has emphasized the importance of resilience amid market challenges, expertly navigating the company through unpredictable business climates. Admiral Thomas B. Fargo (USN Retired), Board Chair and Independent Director, acknowledged her contributions, highlighting her ability to streamline operations and boost profitability. She has received several accolades, including the Railway Age’s Women in Rail and the Portland Business Journal’s Executive of the Year, reflecting her esteemed standing within the industry.

As for the future, Brian Comstock is poised to lead Greenbrier into its next chapter due to his extensive experience in operations, commercial strategy, and leasing. Comstock has spent almost three decades at Greenbrier, holding various senior positions and demonstrating a commitment to customer-focused strategies. Fargo expressed confidence in Comstock's ability to maintain continuity in leadership while strategically positioning the company for ongoing success.

Comstock himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity, underlining his longstanding partnership with Tekorius and the shared goal of fostering a strong workforce at Greenbrier. He acknowledges the need to continue advancing Greenbrier’s strategic priorities to ensure long-term growth and performance.

Lorie Tekorius will remain available for transitional support post-retirement while also stepping down from her role on the Board of Directors during the company’s next shareholder meeting. This planned succession is part of Greenbrier’s commitment to sustained leadership continuity, ensuring that both employees and stakeholders can be at ease during this pivotal time.

As the company looks ahead, it is fully committed to retaining its leadership in the freight rail transportation sector, exploring avenues for innovation and long-term growth. Greenbrier remains a leader not just in the production of freight railcars, but also in offering related services like railcar management and maintenance, underpinning its reputation as an indispensable player in the global freight market.

Greenbrier, based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, continues to serve various regions, including North America, Europe, and Brazil, as a supplier of railcar leasing and services, while also utilising its vast manufacturing capabilities to meet industry demands. As the transition unfolds, the company anticipates a seamless handover of leadership and thrives on the foundations built over the decades.