Ryan Ratledge
Ryan Ratledge is the President and CEO of Pinsly Railroad Company. He joined the company in 2022 following its acquisition by Macquarie Infrastructure Partners, bringing with him more than 30 years of experience in the rail industry.
Under Ryan’s leadership, Pinsly has grown from two to eight short-line railroads through three successful acquisitions. The company has invested $70 million in infrastructure and has earned multiple industry safety awards from the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), all while continuing to deliver exceptional service to its customers.
Throughout his career, Ryan has led high-performing teams through complex challenges, consistently improving safety, earnings, and customer satisfaction. One of his most notable accomplishments was leading the turnaround of the bankrupt Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway. From 2014 to 2020, Ryan and his team transformed the line into the highly respected Central Maine & Quebec Railway (CMQR). That success culminated in June 2020, when Canadian Pacific Railway received approval to acquire CMQR.
Ryan began his rail career in 1994 with Burlington Northern Santa Fe predecessor, Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, as a switchman. He advanced through multiple roles to become Terminal Superintendent before joining RailAmerica in 2007. At RailAmerica, he led the turnaround of the Indiana & Ohio Railway and was later promoted to Regional Vice President for the Midwest Region in 2011.
Following RailAmerica’s acquisition by Genesee & Wyoming, Ryan served as Senior Vice President until 2014, when he became Chief Operating Officer of CMQR. He was promoted to President & CEO in 2017. Under his leadership, CMQR emphasized safety, operational excellence, and strong partnerships with connecting carriers. The railroad was recognized with multiple honors, including 2016 Regional Railroad of the Year, Railway Age Magazine; 2016 ASLRRA Jake with Distinction Award for injury-free operations in the U.S.; 2015 Railway Association of Canada Safety Award
Following the sale of CMQR to Canadian Pacific in 2020, Ryan founded LERN, LLC, where he advised clients across the freight rail sector, including operators, investors, and insurers. In 2021, he also served on the Board of Directors for the Iowa Interstate Railroad.