In 1999, when BNSF Railway—one of the few remaining transcontinental railroads in North America—decided to merge four primary lines of business, the company faced technology and mindset issues. For instance, the head of one of the business units believed the unit had no customers. In this Inside Scoop interview, Bob Thompson talks to Elizabeth Obermiller, BNSF director of ERM systems, about her role at the company and the challenges—and benefits—of the reorganization.
The transcript of this interview, which was conducted March 7, 2007, was edited for clarity.
Bob Thompson
I'd like to welcome to our Inside Scoop program Elizabeth Obermiller, director of ERM systems at BNSF Railway: the merger of Burlington and Northern in Santa Fe. Elizabeth, welcome.
Elizabeth Obermiller
Thank you for having me.
Bob Thompson
We're going to be talking about the experiences that you...
