David Carter

David joined VLS in July 2019 as Vice President of Railcar Services after a 22-year career with its former parent company, Royal Vopak. His career has included critical roles in all facets of the business including Operations, Sales and Marketing, EHS, and Business Development.

After starting his career in EHS & Operations in Houston, David was transferred to Vopak’s international headquarters in Rotterdam where he managed global teams, establishing best practices in operations and safety across a global network of terminals. David then accepted the position of Managing Director for a joint venture between Vopak and Royal Dutch Shell where he successfully shut down the former Coryton Oil Refinery and converted its assets into a world class fuel import and distribution storage terminal for the UK.

After almost 10 years abroad, David was given the responsibility of managing the largest and most complex terminal within Vopak’s global network, which brought him back to the US and to Houston. Under David’s leadership, the terminal realized its highest personnel and process safety performance in 10 years, developed and executed capital growth projects valued over $100 million, and achieved a 20% improvement in EBITDA margin. 

David has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Fisheries from Texas A&M University. Upon graduation, he worked for the National Marine Fisheries Service where he tracked endangered Kemp’s ridley, green, and loggerhead sea turtles along the US Gulf Coast.In his spare time, he enjoys live music and traveling with his wife Jennifer.