CN 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 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. Pat and Derek will be based in CN?s operational centers in Edmonton and Chicago respectively.

They will also have offices in Montreal where they will spend a part of their time. Patrick, 48, is responsible for making CN?s operational plan. Based at CN?s operational center in Edmonton, AB, Pat is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of railroad experience, over 25 of which have been in management positions in Transportation and Mechanical operations.

He joined CN in 2021 as General Manager in Chicago. Prior to joining CN, Patrick was Vice-President, Transportation for Norfolk Southern Railway. Patrick was appointed Senior Vice-President, Network Operations in June 2022.

Patrick will complete the University of Pennsylvania?s Wharton School of Business Advanced Management Program on October 20th. Patrick holds a Master of Science degree in Transportation Management from the University of Denver and is currently taking French classes. Derek, 46, is responsible for running CN?s operational plan.

Based at CN?s operational center in Homewood, IL, Derek is a proven strong leader in Transportation with over 20 years of experience at CN. He joined the Company as a Management Trainee in Winnipeg, MB, in 2000 and since then has held progressively more senior leadership roles across the organization. He served as General Manager in Fond du Lac, WI, and in Homewood, IL, and was Vice-President, Transportation, for the Southern and Eastern Regions at different times.

As Vice-President, Operational Excellence in 2022, he was responsible for driving continuous improvement across CN?s key operating metrics. Derek was appointed Senior Vice-President, Transportation in November 2022. Derek, who is currently taking French classes, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw University in Indiana.