Canadian Pacific Railway 's executive vice president of operations, Ed Harris, a veteran of the industry, will retire just a a year after joining the carrier, the company said.

Harris will be replaced by Mike Franczak, who will move up from his post of senior vice president for operations at Canada's second largest railroad.

Harris, 61, whose career has included operations posts at Canadian National and the Illinois Central railroads, joined CP last year in what was seen as in a move by the company to improve its operating ratio.

Canada Pacific Chief Executive Fred Green said Harris's work over the past year had helped the carrier improve its yard operations, and he will remain as an adviser through the end of year.

Franczak, 48, joined Canadian Pacific in 1987, having previously worked as a geologist, the company said. (Reuters)