Rising Stars 2023: Kriss Beudjekian

Kriss Beudjekian, 37
Senior manager, network operations
CN

Nominator’s quote: “A highly respected and trusted leader, Kriss has developed strong ties with other Class I railroads to establish locomotive cycles and further protect CN’s power requirement at interchanges.” — Carole Michelucci, CN

Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from McGill University; MBA from Concordia University; completed MicroMasters program in supply-chain management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Job responsibilities: Oversees locomotive planning and distribution across U.S. operations; captive fleet distribution across Canada and United States; and locomotive maintenance planning based on workload distribution and adherence to regulatory, safety and reliability requirements. Also oversees locomotive acquisitions, retirements and storage strategies in line with business volumes.

Career path: Started with CN in May 2010 in procurement and supply management within the communications and signaling department in Montreal. In 2014, moved to the locomotive department as supply manager; three years later, joined CN network operations as the locomotive asset manager overseeing capital and long-term maintenance programs. In 2018, relocated to Chicago as senior manager of material planning, and in 2020, became the senior manager of maintenance planning. In 2021, rejoined CN network operations as senior manager of motive power and maintenance planning.

How did you get into the railroad industry? Prior to joining CN, I was an intern at GE Lighting where I worked on crossing and wayside LED fixtures. During my internship, I was exposed to the railroad industry and was further motivated to join CN.

What is the best career advice you’ve received? Always operate with the highest level of integrity and treat the company money as your personal money when making decisions. Integrity is not just a short-term virtue — it contributes to long-term success.

What advice would you give to a new railroader? Travel across the railroad, ask questions, learn the business, understand others’ roles and build a strong professional network. Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships.

What was your first job? When I first immigrated to Canada, I spent the first summer working on an assembly line manufacturing brake pads, rotors and drums. I wasn’t as efficient as my co-workers on the assembly line, so I spent most of my time organizing the warehouse and moving boxes.

Share a fun fact about yourself. I am an avid fan of Formula One (F1). I record every qualification and race as they sometimes tend to conflict with weekend calls — I block all news notifications to avoid seeing the results.

If you could have dinner with anyone alive in the world, who would it be and why? Lewis Hamilton. I’ve been a fan of Lewis since he joined F1. I recently watched his masterclass on building a winning mindset. His upbringing, mentality and leadership skills are inspiring, and he continues to make a positive impact on society.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career and why? Family has always been an intrinsic driver of success. Shortly after immigrating to Canada in 2002, my family experienced adverse and life-changing events. As a family, we continue to guide one another to grow both professionally and personally. Since I met my wife, she has been a major influence in my life and the biggest supporter of my career, from relocating to a new country or always adjusting her schedule to accommodate my business meetings and travel schedule.

Describe a major obstacle in your career and how you surmounted it. Taking over a new role or added responsibilities tends to be challenging at first. I have always — and continue to — lead and serve a team of professional and experienced railroaders that embrace change and elevate the playing field. Collectively, we foster a supportive environment, remain engaged and pragmatic, and communicate openly among ourselves and with peers to overcome any obstacle in the journey. Railroading is a team sport — we embrace it.