Jeffersonville, IN – One of the largest and most diversified inland marine transportation companies in the United States and a Platinum Equity company, American Commercial Lines (ACL), announced today the new leadership of Mark Knoy as President and Chief Executive Officer and David Huls as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Mark Knoy, a veteran to the industry after spending seventeen years with AEP River Operations, LLC, a subsidiary of American Electric Power Co., Inc, will continue within the same industry. Under Knoy’s leadership, AEP River Operations grew to become one of the nations most successful barge lines. Louis Samson, who led the acquisition of ACL for Platinum Equity in December of 2010, commented: “We are excited to have Mark join the team and help write a new chapter in the history of ACL — his track record speaks for itself.”
“Mark brings to ACL many years of profitable growth on the inland waterways,” said Bryan Kelln, President of Portfolio Operations at Platinum Equity. “Throughout his career he has demonstrated the ability to lead organizations to very high levels of financial and operational performance.”
ACL operates a fleet of more than 2,400 transportation vessels as well as the largest single-site inland shipbuilding and repair facility in the United States.
Mr. Knoy stated, “I’m honored to be taking the helm of a market leader with such a strong heritage and a deep portfolio of assets.” He added, “Platinum is fully committed to ACL’s success and I am excited to partner with them and with my new ACL teammates to help guide the company into the future — it’s a tremendous opportunity to create value.”
Mr. Huls, 45, will be joining ACL as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer after serving as President and Chief Financial Officer at PBH Marine Group, LLC, another company owned by Platinum Equity.
“David is a seasoned executive with a strong financial background and a deep understanding of business operations,” comments Mr. Kelln. Louis Samson further added: “Having worked closely with David for over two years we know he is extremely capable and will be a strong asset to ACL’s management team.”
About Platinum Equity
Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) is a global M&A&O® firm specializing in the merger, acquisition, and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, telecommunications, logistics, metals services, manufacturing, and distribution. Since its founding in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed over 125 acquisitions.
About American Commercial Lines
American Commercial Lines is an integrated marine transportation service company owned by Platinum Equity and operating in the United States Jones Act trades. The Company is headquartered in Jeffersonville, IN, has approximately 2,400 employees and operates a fleet of approximately 130 tow boats and 2,400 barges. The Company is the direct parent of Commercial Barge Line Company. For more information about American Commercial Lines, Inc. visit www.aclines.com.