The latest news and developments in operational excellence (OPEX) including partnerships, appointments and industry collaborations.
This week features:
- Union Pacific maintains OPEX despite severe weather conditions
- Decision Lens appoints Steve Tolbert to drive OPEX
- Collins Foods pursues OPEX and strategic growth
- Vic Sutter joins Venu Holding Corporation as EVP of operations
- Pilbara Rail Maintenance wins OPEX award
Union Pacific maintains OPEX despite severe weather conditions
Railroad company Union Pacific maintained impressive levels of OPEX in early April despite severe thunderstorms, tornado warnings, torrential rainfall, swollen rivers and flash floods across the South and Midwest, reported Inside Track.
“We saw an outstanding, safe and quick response across our teams,” said Eric Gehringer, EVP of operations. Before the storm hit, the firm increased personnel and resources to bolster regional operations including staging track inspectors, maintenance of way teams, equipment, ballast and other construction materials.
“We acted quickly to protect and strengthen infrastructure,” said Brenten Starr, general director of material and equipment. “The team cleared downed trees, reinforced washouts, reengaged signal systems and deployed generators to keep everything running smoothly.”
Union Pacific was able to safely maintain service throughout the storms thanks to the dedication and hard work of teams across the Southern Region. “The Harriman Dispatching Center provided continuous coverage, coordinating efforts and communication,” said Kevin Ready, network superintendent. “Our cross-functional meetings help ensure train schedules were meticulously planned out.”
Join us at All Access: Operational Excellence 2025 as we explore and examins the latest developments in OPEX!
Decision Lens appoints Steve Tolbert to drive OPEX
Decision Lens, the leading provider of integrated planning software for government agencies, appointed Steve Tolbert as president to deepen the company’s operational discipline while expanding its ability to deliver consistent, high-impact results for government customers. As president, Tolbert will help guide the company’s customer success and delivery strategy, identify new ways to support government modernization efforts and serve as a vital voice for the market inside the organization, according to a press release.
“Hiring Steve is a major milestone for Decision Lens and a fulfilment of our vision to scale the company for long-term success,” said John Saaty, CEO of Decision Lens. “His leadership and experience running organizations enables the company to forge even closer client relationships, continue to evolve how we leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enable better and faster decision making and ultimately champion the transformative potential of commercial software in government.”
Watch Pradheep Kileti, director at National Grid, discuss balancing operations with innovation
Collins Foods pursues OPEX and strategic growth
Collins Foods Limited is focusing on OPEX by enhancing its restaurant network to improve customer experiences, drive same-store sales growth and improve margins. The company is also looking to expand its scale through profitable new restaurant development and disciplined capital allocation, including mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, Collins Foods is reviewing its growth strategy to enhance shareholder value.
Collins Foods operates KFC and Taco Bell restaurants in Australia, Germany and the Netherlands employing 20,000 people globally.
Vic Sutter joins Venu Holding Corporation as EVP of operations
Live music venues and premium hospitality firm Venu Holding Corporation appointed Vic Sutter as EVP of operations. Sutter will lead operations across VENU’s premium portfolio, driving growth through elevated culinary programs, enhanced venue amenities and expanded premium service offerings – all supporting VENU’s strategy to create shareholder value through OPEX, according to a press release.
“I’ve spent over a decade working alongside Vic and have witnessed his unmatched intentionality and precision,” commented Will Hodgson, president of VENU. “Every decision he makes is strategically calculated to drive revenue and elevate the guest experience at every touch point. His proven approach blends OPEX with a refined sense of style. I’m proud to have him join our team as we disrupt the industry, stay ahead of the curve reimagine the fan experience with our signature premium flare.”
Read how Explic8 drives operational excellence
Pilbara Rail Maintenance wins OPEX award
Pilbara Rail Maintenance (PRM) was awarded the Operational Excellence Award at the 2025 Rio Tinto Supplier Recognition Gala, held in Perth. The awards recognize businesses that go above and beyond to tackle obstacles, deliver results safely, enhance productivity for Rio Tinto and set the benchmark for leading industry practices and performance.
PRM was selected as one of 18 finalists from a pool of more than 200 nominations, ultimately winning the OPEX category. Among PRM’s innovations is its Smart Track Laying System, a custom-engineered sleeper laying attachment integrated with a hi-rail excavator and GPS machine-controlled guidance system. This system allows a single operator to lift and place steel sleepers precisely, removing the need for ground staff to work near potentially hazardous machinery. The result is faster project delivery, enhanced safety outcomes and significantly reduced manual handling.
Read more OPEX news!
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