By Railfan & Railroad Staff

MONTREAL — The industry veteran whose name had been pushed forward by Canadian National shareholders seeking change told the railroad last night he was no longer interested in being its next CEO. 

On Monday, CN provided an update on its search for a new CEO. The search comes after its present one, JJ Ruest, announced he would retire next month. Ruest announced his retirement just weeks after CN’s bid to merge with Kansas City Southern failed. Some shareholders were not interested in the merger plan and suggested that Jim Vena, a longtime CN and Union Pacific executive, take the reins after the failed bid. 

CN is planning on having a special shareholder meeting on March 22, 2022, to decide the railroad’s next CEO. Because Vena was a leading contender, the railroad opted to update shareholders.