[281118.EN.BIZ] Canadian National President Ruest is Named Railroader of The Year

CANADIAN National Railway (CN) chief executive officer Jean-Jacques "JJ" Ruest has become the 56th annual recipient of the Railroader of the Year Award that is presented by Railway Age magazine.

"JJ Ruest took a railroad plagued with service problems and serious network capacity shortages and implemented aggressive capital investment and service quality programmes," said Railway Age editor-in-chief William Vantuono.

"These efforts have produced outstanding results, in terms of traffic growth and profitability. As examples, CN's engineering team completed more than 80 per cent of expansion projects while the network was under heavy traffic.

"And in Ruest's first few months as chief executive, CN hired hundreds of new line employees in train and engine service, laying a strong foundation for the railroad's continued success. Our Railroader of the Year sees strong growth opportunities ahead, across multiple commodities and new supply chain services."

Upon receiving the honour, Mr Ruest said: "The North American rail industry plays a critical role in our economy. Our human talent, our deployment of technology and infrastructure are what make our industry supply chain services so relevant to all the customers who depend on us."

Mr Ruest was appointed CN president and CEO in July 2018. Previously, he was executive vice president and chief marketing officer since January 2010, with responsibility for providing strategic direction and leadership for the railway operator's sales, marketing and supply chain solutions groups. He joined CN in 1996 as vice president petroleum and chemicals.

Source : HKSG.