MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA — Canadian National Railway (CN) has announced that Jean-Jacques (JJ) Ruest will retire as president and chief executive officer and as a member of the board of directors of the company, effective as of the end of January 2022, or such later time as a successor has been appointed to ensure a flawless transition.

Ruest has been with CN for more than 25 years, including the past three as CEO. He joined CN in 1996 as vice president of petroleum and chemicals. He was named vice president of industrial products in 2003, vice president of marketing in 2004, senior vice president of marketing in June 2006 and executive vice president and chief marketing officer in January 2010.

Before joining CN, Ruest worked for 16 years at an international chemical company.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank JJ for his dedicated service to CN over 25 years and as CEO since 2018,” said Robert Pace, chair of the board of directors. “He has provided the company and all of our stakeholders with strong and inspired leadership.  JJ deferred discussions on his retirement plans in order to see the company through the potential merger with KCS and closing of the transaction, and the introduction of the strategic plan announced on Sept. 17, 2021, which is beginning to demonstrate results. We are grateful for his leadership and his exemplary commitment of service to the company and wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement.”

CN said its board has appointed a CEO search committee to conduct the global search and make recommendations to the full board.