Jim Cowan was appointed president of Greenbrier International. Cowan continues to report to William A. Furman, chairman and CEO of Greenbrier and remains as CEO of GBW Railcar Services, a 50/50 railcar repair and refurbishment joint venture with Watco Companies.

In this newly-created role, Cowan’s experience in manufacturing and the rail industry will support Greenbrier’s international operations. Cowan’s responsibilities extend to all railcar markets outside the Americas and include international project coordination with Greenbrier’s Global Manufacturing Organization. Cowan will work closely with Alejandro Centurion, president of GMO, and Martin Graham, executive vice president of GMO.

Cowan is well known in the railcar industry with decades of experience in senior leadership positions. Prior to joining Greenbrier in 2014, Cowan worked for Amsted Rail supporting its activities in Brazil. Previously, Cowan served as president and chief executive officer of American Railcar Industries where he had oversight of ARI’s activities in international rail markets where Greenbrier is currently active.

“Today, Greenbrier serves railcar markets from our facilities in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Brazil. Greenbrier’s presence is also rapidly growing in emerging railcar markets that we can serve from Europe including markets in the Middle East, Africa and Eurasia,” Furman said. “I have asked Jim to take on this new role to more fully focus Greenbrier on global business opportunities. I am pleased that he will bring important new leadership to our international activities.”

Lake Oswego, OR-based Greenbrier is a supplier of transportation equipment and services to the railroad industry.