Gordon Trafton, currently senior vice-president, Southern Region, becomes senior vice-president, Strategic Acquisitions and Integration. His first assignment is the continued, successful integration of the former EJ&E railway into CN's network. In addition to his extensive background in regional operations, Trafton has experience in network management and acquisition integration. He remains based in Chicago.
Jim Vena, now senior vice-president, Western Region, succeeds Trafton as senior vice-president, Southern Region, and will be based in Chicago. Vena joined CN in 1977 as a brakeman in Jasper, Alta., and has held progressively responsible positions in Operations and Marketing throughout Canada.
Mike Cory, currently senior vice-president, Eastern Region, is appointed senior vice-president, Western Region. He will be based in Edmonton. Cory started his career with CN at Symington Yard Diesel Shop in Winnipeg as a laborer in 1981. Since then, he has held a succession of increasingly responsible leadership positions in field, regional, and network operations management.
Jeff Liepelt, currently vice-president, Operations, Southern Region, becomes vice-president, Eastern Region, and will be based in Toronto. Liepelt joined the former Illinois Central in 1978 as a brakeman, and has held positions of increasing responsibility with assignments in Chicago, Memphis, Winnipeg, Baton Rouge, La., and New Orleans.
"I am pleased to announce these appointments as they demonstrate CN's outstanding depth of skilled leaders," said E. Hunter Harrison, president and chief executive officer of CN. "The combined operations expertise of these experienced railroaders gives me great confidence in the continued success of our organization."
All four officers will report to Keith Creel, executive vice-president, Operations, CN.
