Freight Short Lines & Regionals Watco CEO Smith becomes chairman of company board

Watco CEO Smith becomes chairman of company board

By Trains Staff | January 8, 2026

Executives Baden, Nielsen also gain new responsibilities

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Watco logo, new version as of 2022PITTSBURG, Kan. — Watco has announced changes in its leadership, adding new or additional roles for several of its top executives.

CEO Dan Smith, who joined Watco in 2009 and became CEO in 2018, has also become executive chairman of the Watco board of directors, while Rick Baden, previously executive vice president and chief financial officer, has become executive vice president and vice chairman of the board. Andy Nielsen, formerly executive vice president and chief accounting officer, has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer.

The changes, announced Wednesday, Jan. 7, became effective Jan. 1.

“I’m honored to continue to build on Watco’s strong foundation,” Smith said in a press release. “The culture here is truly special. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside this team and to help position Watco for its next chapter of success.”

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