MONTREAL, Oct. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX:CNR) (NYSE:CNI) today announced the appointment of Patrick Whitehead as Executive Vice-President and Chief Network Operating Officer and the appointment of Derek Taylor as Executive Vice-President and Chief Field Operating Officer. Their appointments are effective as of November 15. Pat and Derek will succeed Ed Harris who will take on a consultant role until March 31, 2024, to ensure a seamless transition.
The evolution of CN's operations organization recognizes the distinction in focus and capabilities between the development of the plan, including building our network for the future, and the day-to-day demands of safely executing the plan. The innovative structure will help drive a greater intensity in delivering profitable growth through the cost-effective expansion of CN's network infrastructure, where needed, and ongoing improvements to customer service as the Company sells into its capacity. It will also allow for the simultaneous refinement of CN's long-term fleet plan, reflecting the Company's decarbonization ambitions, and the continued deployment of operating technologies to enhance safety and efficiency.
Pat will "make the plan" as he takes on leadership of Network Operations, Mechanical, Engineering, and the corporate safety team, including CN's two operations training centers. Derek will "run the plan" with system-wide leadership for Transportation and Intermodal Operations. CN intends to continue to refine this structure over time to align additional responsibilities under both roles as future phases of the transformation are executed. A key deliverable for both Pat and Derek is the ongoing development of talent, as CN continues to ensure it is the employer of choice by becoming more modern, innovative, and reflective of the diversity of the communities in which it operates.
"I am very pleased to appoint Pat and Derek to these enterprise leadership roles. These appointments are the next evolution of our 'Make the Plan, Run the Plan, Sell the Plan' operating model. With this new structure and leadership in place, we are well-positioned to achieve the sustainable, profitable growth outlined ...