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CN Rail begins search for new CEO

Oct 20, 2021 | 3:06 PM

MELFORT, Sask. — Canadian National Railway Company (CN) will begin the process of finding a new leader after CEO Jean-Jacques (JJ) Ruest retirement was announced.

Ruest will retire as president and chief executive officer and as a member of the board of directors effective at the end of January or later after a successor has been found.

Ruest said he was honored to lead CN during his time as chief executive officer.

“I am confident that the company is well positioned to continue to thrive following my retirement,” Ruest said in a news release. “The strength of the company’s management team and board allow me to announce my planned retirement knowing that the company we have built will continue to prosper.”

Ruest worked at CN for over 25 years and has served as CEO since 2018.

Board chair Robert Pace said Ruest provided strong and inspired leadership and displayed an exemplary commitment of service.

“JJ deferred discussions on his retirement plans in order to see the company through the potential merger with KCS and closing of the transaction, and the introduction of the strategic plan announced on Sept. 17,” Pace said. “We wish him the best in his upcoming retirement.”

The CN board has appointed a committee that will conduct a global search for Ruest’s replacement and make recommendations to the board.

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

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