MONTREAL -- Canadian National has hired a former forest products company chief executive, Remi G. Lalonde, to lead its marketing and sales efforts.

CN, which is the largest hauler of forest products in North America, named Lalonde as its executive vice president and special advisor to the CEO, a role he'll hold until he transitions to chief commercial officer later this year.

Lalonde will spend time embedded within CN's operations to learn about scheduled railroading, serving customers, and executing CN's "Make the Plan, Run the Plan, Sell the Plan" strategy, the railway said. He'll become chief commercial officer once the familiarization is completed.

"I am very pleased that Remi is joining the CN team, preparing to lead our commercial team," CEO Tracy Robinson said in a statement. "The role of CCO is of the utmost importance. The diversity of his experience, including as a railway customer and as a CEO, positions him well to lead the sales and marketing team. He will play an instrumental role in accelerating sustainable, profitable growth.''

As CEO and chief financial officer of Montreal-based Resolute Forest Products, Lalonde executed strategy, managed regulatory matters, engaged with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, headed manufacturing operations, and worked with investors and suppliers. Resolute, which makes pulp, tissue, paper, and wood products, operates 40 facilities in the U.S. and Canada.

CN said Lalonde's supply chain experience and focus on business growth and sustainability will help drive the railway's three-year growth plan.

After spending several years at a Wall Street law firm, Lalonde joined Resolute as senior securities counsel. Over his tenure, he served in corporate and customer focused roles, including general manager for a manufacturing facility. Remi holds a bachelor of laws and a bachelor of Environmental engineering from the University of Ottawa.

CN Chief Marketing Officer Doug MacDonald will remain in his role until Lalonde is ready to take over.

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