News | February 16, 2026
The London appointment expands the firm’s capabilities in product safety, crisis management, materials science, risk assessment, and high-stakes failure analysis.
A seasoned rail executive, Eric Hegi brings more than 33 years of industry experience and knowledge of strategic insight around common practices within the Class 1 rail industry. Mr. Hegi’s consulting and testimony work encompasses executive leadership, operations, risk/litigation management, and regulatory compliance in high-stakes matters.
Eric Hegi is a visionary leader with more than 33 years of experience in the logistics and railroad industries, specializing in operational excellence, safety, and claims/litigation management for global Fortune 150 companies and major Class I railroads. He is known for his integrity, discretion, and exceptional negotiation and communication skills. He is also highly skilled in leveraging cross-functional teams to implement process automation and data-driven solutions.
A trusted expert in railroad operations and risk management, Mr. Hegi has twice chaired the American Association of Railroads’ General Claims Committee. He has extensive experience testifying in state and federal cases, and has served as a Corporate Representative on matters involving accident investigation, risk management and field safety.
Mr. Hegi has held senior leadership roles, including Director, General Director, and Vice President at the largest Class 1 railroad in North America, overseeing the premier risk management team in the industry. He directed thousands of investigations and managed litigation strategies for major casualty incidents, achieving significant reductions in injury reports, lawsuits, and payouts.
Mr. Hegi’s background includes entry level roles as a conductor/engineer, transitioning into front-line supervision, regional safety management, and executive leadership positions. He has led numerous accident investigations, conducted root cause analyses, and collaborated with federal and state agencies, including the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The London appointment expands the firm’s capabilities in product safety, crisis management, materials science, risk assessment, and high-stakes failure analysis.
Engineering Resilience in Solar Energy: A Systems Perspective on Performance and Reliability
As the global energy landscape shifts toward sustainability, solar panels have emerged as one of the most widely adopted renewable technologies. Converting sunlight into electricity is well understood, but often the long-term performance of solar installations hinges on a complex interplay of mechanical, electrical, civil/structural and material systems. For engineers, developers, and asset managers, understanding these interdependencies is critical to ensuring reliability over the typical 20- to 25-year design life of a solar facility.
Jimmy McCutcheon Recognized as a Rising Star of the Profession by Consulting Magazine
Secretariat is proud to announce that Jimmy McCutcheon has been recognized in Consulting Magazine’s Rising Stars 2026 awards, earning recognition for excellence in Industry-Specialization.