Canadian Pacific elects Courville board chair

Canadian Pacific's board yesterday elected Isabelle Courville as its new chair to succeed Andrew Reardon, who announced last year he is retiring.

At the company's annual shareholders meeting in Calgary, Alberta, the board also reelected Courville as a director. She is the first woman to hold the position at CP, as well as among other North American Class Is, said CP President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel in a press release.

"As an organization whose values hinge on pride and diversity, I'm extremely proud to serve on this diverse board with these distinguished business leaders," Creel said. "I also want to thank Andy for his tireless service, dedication and outstanding leadership over the last four years as chair of the board."

Courville is chair of of the Laurentian Bank of Canada. From 2007 to 2013, she was president of Hydro-Quebec Distribution and Hydro-Quebec TransEnergie. Courville formerly was president of Bell Canada's Enterprise Group and president and CEO of Bell Nordiq Group.

Courville said she looked forward to continuing the momentum that Reardon established as chairman.

"On behalf of the entire board, we wish Andy well in his retirement and thank him for his valuable contribution and leadership," she said.

In total, the board elected all nine individuals identified in a management proxy dated March 15. In addition to Courville and Creel, also elected as directors are John Baird, Gillian Denham, Rebecca MacDonald, Edward Monser, Matthew Paull, Jane Peverett and Gordon Trafton.