Most recently chairman of the San Francisco Newspaper Company, which owns The Examiner, Starzel served as senior representative of the chairman of the Union Pacific Railroad from 2000-2004. Prior to that, he was UPRR's senior vice president, since 1998, and earlier served as the railroad's vice president, Western region. In 1996, at the time of Southern Pacific Transportation Company's merger with the UPRR, Starzel was vice chairman of SPTC, having joined the company in 1988. From 1991 - 2005, Starzel served as a member of the Board of Directors of the California Chamber of Commerce.
His appointment coincides with the resignation from the Board of Marc Becker, a director representing Apollo Management IV, LP (Apollo), Pacer's equity sponsor from 1999 to 2004.
Don Orris, Pacer's chairman and chief executive officer, said, 'Bob Starzel has long been a central figure in the North American rail industry, with close ties to the Union Pacific and other railroads and transportation modes. Pacer will benefit from his guidance and expertise as we seek to further strengthen our strategic relationships with the leading North American railroads and transportation providers.'
Orris extended special appreciation to outgoing director Becker. 'Marc remained on the Board to help ensure a smooth transition even after the sale of Apollo's final shares in the company in November 2004. Apollo's long support of Pacer, and the guidance of its various directors, have helped ensure that we are well positioned for further growth and leadership in the intermodal and logistics markets as a publicly traded corporation,' he said.
