Greenbrier Appoints Ted Baun as New Chief Commercial Officer for Enhanced Leadership
The Greenbrier Companies, Inc., a significant player in the global freight transportation equipment industry, has announced a pivotal leadership change with the appointment of Ted Baun as its next Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). This announcement came on May 21, 2025, marking a significant transition as Baun prepares to take on this key role in January 2026, following the retirement of long-standing CCO Tim Schitter.
Ted Baun’s extensive background in the rail industry spans over three decades, having accumulated considerable experience and knowledge that positions him ideally for this role at Greenbrier. Most recently, Baun served as the Chief Commercial Officer at PNW Railcars, where he was instrumental in managing the tank and freight railcar fleet and leading efforts to maximize new leases and renewals in a competitive market.
Prior to his tenure at PNW Railcars, Baun spent 23 years at FreightCar America (FCA) and its predecessor company, Johnstown America. There, he fulfilled the role of Chief Commercial Officer for 11 years, where he was responsible for critical functions, including production planning, pricing strategies, and overseeing commercial activities within the company. Additionally, Baun held a senior sales position at Mitsui Rail Capital, LLC between 2003 and 2005, further solidifying his credentials in the railcar industry.
Brian Comstock, Executive Vice President and President of The Americas, expressed enthusiasm about Baun joining Greenbrier's leadership team. He lauded Baun's extensive experience in railcar manufacturing and leasing, which makes him an excellent fit for the Chief Commercial Officer role. Comstock emphasized that Baun's business insights and commercial expertise will be invaluable as Greenbrier continues to enhance its service offerings, invest in its leasing fleet, and improve customer experiences.
In response to his appointment, Baun stated, "I am honored to join Greenbrier and to help expand its leadership in railroad transportation products and services. Our company boasts a rich legacy of innovation and distinguished customer service. I look forward to leading our exceptional team in driving impactful initiatives that can deliver significant value to our customers. Together, we will build on Greenbrier's legacy and explore new growth avenues."
Greenbrier, headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon, stands as a prominent international supplier of equipment and services tailored to the global freight transportation markets. Through a combination of wholly-owned subsidiaries and strategic joint ventures, the company specializes in the design, construction, and marketing of freight railcars across North America, Europe, and Brazil. It also offers comprehensive railcar wheel services, parts, maintenance, and retrofitting services within North America.
With a lease fleet of approximately 16,600 railcars primarily sourced from Greenbrier’s manufacturing operations, the company is well-equipped to support railroads and other railcar owners with management, regulatory compliance, and leasing services. As Ted Baun steps into the role of CCO, key stakeholders and customers alike are anticipating not just continuity but also growth and enhancement of services under his leadership.
As Greenbrier progresses toward 2026, the industry will be watching to see how Baun's extensive experience and strategic vision will be leveraged to further elevate the company's position in the freight transportation sector. The upcoming transition is set against a backdrop of ambitious growth plans and a commitment to innovation—a perfect stage for Baun to enact his vision for the future of Greenbrier.