IHHA CEO

Antonio Merheb
Rail Specialist,
MRS
Brasil Avenue 2001 - MRS Logistica. SA
Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Email: Antonio.Merheb@MRS.com.br

Antonio Merheb
Brazil

Merheb is currently the CEO of the International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA) and a Consultant at MRS Logística S.A., one of the leading heavy haul railway operators in southeastern Brazil, connecting the country’s three largest metropolitan regions.

For more than 11 years at MRS, Merheb led initiatives related to the strategic planning and performance of track components, with a strong emphasis on the development, application, and innovation of railway materials and systems. His work has been focused on heavy haul railways, infrastructure performance, and the development of practical solutions to improve safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Merheb holds a degree in Civil Engineering, with a specialization in Geotechnics, as well as Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Transportation Infrastructure from the Polytechnic School of the University of São Paulo. In 2018, he completed the Railway Engineering and Safety Program at the University of Delaware in the United States.

Within IHHA, Merheb served as Director, Vice Chair, and Chairman before assuming the role of CEO. He is now focused on strengthening international collaboration and supporting the continued advancement of operations, maintenance, and technology across the global heavy haul railway sector.

Merheb is based in Juiz de Fora, Brazil.