Darling named President of AEP River Operations

Keith Darling has been appointed President of AEP River Operations, LLC, a subsidiary of American Electric Power Co., Inc., effective immediately. He succeeds Mark Knoy, who has been appointed President and CEO of American Commercial Lines

In his new role, Mr. Darling will oversee all managerial and operating activities related to AEP River Operations functions, including sales, planning & budgeting, accounting, business development, logistics, operations and maintenance.

Mr. Darling joined the AEP System in 1975 at the former Southern Ohio Coal Company. He held several positions of progressive responsibility in Human Resources and Labor Relations in the former AEP Fuel Supply organization, which included the then River Transportation Division. He was named managing director  -  Boat Operations in 2002. Mr. Darling holds a bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University and a master’s degree from Ohio University, both in economics.

“Keith’s river operations experience is extremely broad and deep. His extensive background and experience working with people, in business and in river operations provide a unique fit for our River Ops organization,” said Tim Light, senior vice president – Fuels, Emissions & Logistics at parent American Electric Power Co., Inc. “Keith has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and is focused on both operations and safety excellence.”

AEP River Operations includes a fleet of 3,275 barges and 94 towboats, a full-service shipyard and six barge repair and cleaning facilities. Headquartered in Chesterfield, Missouri, AEP River Operations is one of the largest dry-bulk barge companies on the inland waterways, transporting 77 million tons of commodities each year.

August 2, 2011