GATX Corporation announced that James B. Ream has been named as the company's independent chair of its board of directors, effective November 1, 2022. Mr. Ream succeeds Brian A. Kenney, who retired as the company's president and chief executive officer in April 2022 and who has served on the board as non-executive chair for a transitional period ending Oct. 31, 2022.

The board previously announced its intention to separate the board chair and CEO roles following the transitional period. Mr. Ream has served as the company's independent lead director for the past five years. Mr. Ream brings significant industry, strategic, financial and operational expertise to this position.

He most recently served as senior vice president, operations and senior vice president, maintenance and engineering at American Airlines. Previously, Mr. Ream served as president and chief executive officer of ExpressJet Holdings Inc., an operator of regional jets in North America, and he also held leadership roles at Continental Airlines and Evergreen International Aviation.