AITX Appoints Eric Stopka as Chief Operating Officer
Chicago, IL – April 14, 2025 – American Industrial Transport, Inc. (AITX) is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Stopka as Chief Operating Officer. This strategic addition to the executive team strengthens AITX’s continued focus on operational excellence, customer value, and integrated performance across its railcar leasing and repair platform.
Eric joins AITX with more than 28 years of leadership experience at Amsted Rail, a global provider of freight rail components and solutions. Throughout his career, he has led large-scale operational and financial transformations, managed global supply chains, and driven customer-centric strategies that delivered measurable results.
At AITX, Eric is charged with aligning process efficiency, data transparency, and customer performance to build a high-performing platform that’s responsive to today’s market and built for the future. His leadership will directly support AITX’s operational strategy – from optimizing maintenance workflows and improving service outcomes to driving strategic investment and long-term value creation.
“Eric is a seasoned executive with a strong commercial mindset and a deep understanding of how operational decisions translate into customer value,” said Michael McCarthy, President of AITX. “His expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we build on our momentum and continue transforming AITX into the most trusted, responsive partner in railcar leasing and repair.”
During his time at Amsted Rail, Eric held several executive roles including Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Operations. He led enterprise-wide efficiency efforts, oversaw international expansion, and guided the integration of new facilities and supply chain strategies that improved performance and accelerated growth.
Eric holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Northern Illinois University and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft electrician during Operation Desert Storm.