CN Announces Executive Changes to COO and CCO Roles
Rhea-AI Summary
CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced on October 20, 2025 the appointments of Patrick Whitehead as Executive Vice‑President and Chief Operating Officer and Janet Drysdale as Executive Vice‑President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately.
Patrick, 50, brings over 30 years of railroad experience and has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Network Operating Officer since October 2023. Janet, 53, has nearly 30 years at CN, has been serving as interim Chief Commercial Officer since July 2025, and is bilingual. The announcement notes the departure of Derek Taylor and emphasizes leadership continuity and shareholder focus.
Positive
- Patrick Whitehead has >30 years rail experience, promoting operational continuity
- Patrick served as Executive VP & Chief Network Operating Officer since October 2023
- Janet Drysdale has nearly 30 years at CN and was interim CCO since July 2025
- Both appointees are based in Montreal, supporting centralized leadership
Negative
- Departure of Derek Taylor announced October 20, 2025
Appointments Confirm Experienced Railroaders in Critical Roles
MONTREAL, Oct. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) announced today the appointments of Patrick Whitehead as Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer as well as Janet Drysdale as Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, effective immediately. Patrick’s appointment follows the departure of Derek Taylor from the Company.
“Janet and Pat are key drivers of CN's efforts to achieve new levels of operational, commercial and customer service excellence. Their proven cross-functional leadership is instrumental in delivering value for our shareholders and customers. I look forward to working closely with them,” said Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer at CN. "I thank Derek for his contributions to the Company and wish him the best in the future."
Biographical Notes
Patrick, 50, is an accomplished executive with over 30 years of railroad experience, over 25 of which have been in management positions in Transportation and Mechanical operations. Patrick was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Network Operating Officer in October 2023. He holds a Master of Science degree in Transportation Management from the University of Denver and has completed the Wharton School of Business’ Advanced Management and Corporate Governance programs. Pat will be based in Montreal and has been taking French classes since 2023.
Janet, 53, spent the first decade of her nearly 30-year career at CN in a variety of roles in Sales and Marketing. She is a seasoned and versatile leader with significant cross-functional experience having held executive positions at CN in Investor Relations, Finance, Corporate/Business Development, Sustainability, and serving as Chief Commercial Officer on an interim basis since July 2025. Prior to that, she was CN’s Chief Stakeholder Relations Officer. Bilingual and based in Montreal since 1997, Janet holds an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from Queen's University and an MBA from McGill University.
About CN
CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.
Contacts:
| Media | Investment Community |
| Jonathan Abecassis | Stacy Alderson |
| Director, Public Affairs and | Assistant Vice-President |
| Media Relations | Investor Relations |
| (438) 455-3692 | (514) 399-0052 |
| media@cn.ca | investor.relations@cn.ca |
FAQ
Who did CN appoint as COO on October 20, 2025 (CNI)?
Who is CN's new Chief Commercial Officer as of October 20, 2025 (CNI)?
What experience does Patrick Whitehead bring to the COO role at CN (CNI)?
Was Janet Drysdale serving in a commercial role at CN before October 20, 2025 (CNI)?
Did CN announce any executive departures alongside the October 20, 2025 appointments (CNI)?
