CN's Ruest announces senior management appointments

CN President and Chief Executive Officer JJ Ruest today announced he has appointed railroaders experienced in precision-scheduled railroading to serve in senior management positions.

Doug MacDonald and Keith Reardon will head CN's sales and marketing initiatives and all non-rail supply chain operations, such as intermodal container terminals and transload facilities.

John Orr, an experienced operator across CN's three regions, has been named senior vice-president and chief transportation officer responsible for day-to-day rail operations.

"Amid solid market demand, we aim to grow faster than the broader economy," said Ruest in a press release. "These outstanding CN leaders will enhance our precision scheduled railroad model — one we developed and that redefined the industry — to new levels of operating efficiency and superior supply chain customer service.

MacDonald, who previously served as vice-president of bulk, becomes senior VP of rail-centric supply chain growth. He will oversee the expansion of the bulk and merchandise carload businesses.

Reardon, previously VP of intermodal and automotive, becomes senior VP of consumer product supply chain growth. He will oversee the expansion of the intermodal and automotive businesses.

MacDonald and Reardon will report directly to Ruest. They will directly manage their supply chain performance and have the ability to effectively adapt all last-mile services for customers, CN officials said.

Orr will report to Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer Mike Cory. In his new role, Orr will lead day-to-day scheduled railroad operations in the field across CN's three regions and the network operations group.

As COO, Cory continues to oversee all CN railway operations. He also will focus on transforming CN's engineering and mechanical functions, as well as the implementation of new technology in the field.

Ruest also announced that Derek Taylor, previously general manager of CN's southern region operations center, has been promoted to VP of the southern region, based in Homewood, Illinois.