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Today, Ed Harris’ 38-year career with Canadian National Railway Co. and the Illinois Central Railroad will draw to a close. CN’s executive vice president of operations is retiring.

A CN executive since July 1999, when the Class I acquired Illinois Central Corp., Harris has served stints as senior VP of operations, chief transportation officer and VP of the Midwest Division. While at Illinois Central between 1968 and 1999, he held various positions, including VP of operations, general manager of the northern region, GM of the southern region and acting executive director of labor relations.

“The 24/7 world of railroading is very demanding, and very fulfilling,” said Harris in a prepared statement. “I'll miss daily rail operations, but will be available on a consulting basis to CN from time to time.”

CN senior managers have not yet decided whether or when to appoint a successor to Harris, says CN spokesman Mark Hallman. For now, officers who reported to Harris will report directly to President and Chief Executive Officer E. Hunter Harrison.

“Ed has played a key role in executing CN’s precision railroading practices and making the company the most efficient carrier in the rail industry,” said Harrison. “We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”