CN announced the promotion of Ed Harris to the position of executive vice-president, operations, effective March 8, 2005.

Harris has been senior vice-president, operations, since June 2003.

E. Hunter Harrison, president and chief executive officer of CN, said: "Ed is one of the finest railroaders in the industry ' experienced, insightful, articulate and decisive. Ed has played a significant role in leading the implementation of many operational advances that have kept CN at the forefront of rail industry performance in North America."

Harris, as one of three CN executive vice-presidents, will join CN's executive council, the most senior decision-making forum at the company.

Harris will continue to be responsible for the company's rail operations in Canada and the United States, and for CN's network operations center in Edmonton, Alberta. Harris will maintain offices in Edmonton and Chicago.

CN's senior vice-presidents for Eastern Canada, Western Canada and the United States will now report to Harris.

Harris was CN's chief transportation officer between 2001 and 2003. Prior to that, he was vice-president, Midwest Division, following CN's acquisition of Illinois Central Corporation (IC) in July 1999. Harris was vice-president, operations, for IC, a position he assumed in 1998 after a year's service as general manager, IC's Northern Region. From 1994 to 1997, Harris had the same position on IC's Southern Region.

Harris joined IC in 1968 and held positions of increasing responsibility in communications, materials control, and transportation, and also served as acting executive director, labour relations, in 1992. His IC service was interrupted by a four-year tour of duty in the United States Marine Corps.

Harris holds a Bachelor of Science degree in management from the University of Illinois, Chicago.