Bob Reilly and Michael Foster set to replace Mike Cory at CN

North American rail operators Canadian National and CSX have announced several new senior appointments.

CN has appointed Rob Reilly to chief operating officer, and Michael Foster (pictured above) to executive vice president; the two filling the boots of outgoing Mike Cory.

Mr Reilly boasts some three decades’ experience and joins CN from BNSF, where he has worked since 1989 in a variety of roles.

Mr Foster shares an equally impressive history in the rail and logistics sector, having joined the carrier back in 2018. Prior to this, he worked for FedEx where he specialised in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and transportation logistics.

Chief executive JJ Reust welcomed both, noting that their presence would help move the team forward.

He added: “CN pioneered scheduled railroading and our vision is to be the first railroad to take it to the next level, using advanced information technology. The appointments of Rob Reilly and Michael Foster are part of our strategy to enhance our scheduled railroading model.”

The move was prompted by the decision of chief operating officer Mr Cory to announce he would retire at the end of June.

Mr Ruest said Mr Cory’s 38-year tenure with CN had seen “unwavering commitment”.

Meanwhile, CSX has appointed Farrukh Bezar as chief strategy officer.

Mr Bezar joins the company as a 25-year veteran of the transportation and logistics sector, having most recently founded advisory firm Lynwood Partners. He also held a variety of roles at Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Company, which later became BNSF.

CSX chief executive Jim Foote said: “Farrukh is a highly skilled leader who further strengthens CSX’s talented management team as we strive to solidify our position as the best-run railroad in North America.”