CN shuffles roles for EVPs Drysdale, Whitehead

CN yesterday announced the appointments of Patrick Whitehead as executive vice president and chief operating officer and Janet Drysdale as EVP and chief commercial officer.

Their posts were effective yesterday. Whitehead's appointment follows the departure of Derek Taylor from the company, CN officials said in a press release.

“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," said CN President and CEO Tracy Robinson.

Whitehead has more than 30 years of railroad experience, more than 25 of which have been in management positions in transportation and mechanical operations. He was appointed EVP and chief network operating officer in October 2023.

Drysdale spent the first decade of her nearly 30-year career at CN in various sales and marketing roles. She has significant cross-functional experience, having held executive positions at CN in investor relations, finance, corporate and business development, sustainability and serving as CCO on an interim basis since July. Prior to that, she was CN’s chief stakeholder relations officer.