Effective immediately, CN Rail CEO Luc Jobin is stepping down, amid the rail backlog that has angered many customers including farmers.

Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer Jean-Jacques Ruest will replace Jobin in the interim.

“The Board believes the company needs a leader who will energize the team, realize CN’s corporate vision and take the company forward with the speed and determination CN is known for,” said Board Chairman Robert Pace. “Mr. Ruest is well known to customers and investors, and is well positioned to focus the company and its very experienced and proven team of railroaders to rapidly address operational challenges during the transition.”

The board also said it recognizes the immediate operational and customer service challenges the company has been facing since the fall of 2017, led by high demand and insufficient network resiliency, coupled with severe winter weather conditions.

“CN must accelerate execution of the innovation strategy articulated at our Investor Day last June,” said Mr. Pace. “The Board is confident this remains the right course to restore and retain industry-leading metrics and best in class customer service.”

An international search for a new CEO is underway.

 

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