Diversified global industrial services and engineered products company Harsco Corporation announced the election of James F. Earl to the Harsco Board of Directors, effective immediately.

Mr. Earl has served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of GATX Corporation since 2006, overseeing the company’s global rail operations along with its industrial equipment finance activities. He was most recently named president of its GATX Rail International business group, where he leads GATX’s increasing focus on international rail growth. Mr. Earl also serves as the CEO of GATX’s American Steamship Company subsidiary. Chicago-based GATX is one of the world’s leading railcar and locomotive leasing companies.

Mr. Earl has served as an executive with GATX since 1988 and before that held management positions with two railroad companies, Soo Line Railroad and Southern Pacific Transportation Company. He is a past recipient of the Norman W. Seip Award for Industry Excellence in the rail finance industry.

His election increases the Harsco Board to nine members, of whom eight are considered independent directors. Announcing the election, Harsco Interim Chairman and CEO Henry J. Knueppel said, "Jim is an experienced corporate leader and strategic decision-maker with deep-seated knowledge of the rail industry. His perspectives will add to the considerable depth and breadth of experience represented on the Harsco Board."