Janet Drysdale Appointed Chair of Railway Association of Canada’s Board of Directors

OTTAWA, May 28, 2024 – The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Janet Drysdale as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Currently Senior Vice-President and Chief Stakeholder Relations Officer at Canadian National (CN) railway, Janet brings nearly 30 years of cross-functional leadership experience to the role.

At CN, Janet oversees stakeholder engagement and communications, including public and government affairs, media relations, corporate communications, and investor relations. Her extensive career also includes executive roles in Finance, Sustainability, and Corporate Development.

A staunch advocate for the rail industry, North America’s supply chains, women in transportation, and the transition to a low carbon economy, Janet also serves as an executive sponsor of CN’s Women’s Employee Resource Group, promoting diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Janet Drysdale’s exceptional leadership has been recognized with several awards, including being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the executive leadership category by WXN in 2020 and recognized by Railway Age for her innovation and collaborative approach. In 2021, she completed the Competent Boards ESG program and certification (GCB.D), further enhancing her expertise in sustainable governance.

“We are thrilled to welcome Janet Drysdale as the new Chair of the RAC Board of Directors,” says RAC President and CEO Marc Brazeau. “Her vast experience and visionary leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for a competitive, sustainable, and safe rail sector in Canada.”

The RAC would also like to extend its gratitude to outgoing Chair Jeffrey Ellis for his outstanding contributions and dedicated service throughout his tenure. His leadership has been steadfast in guiding the organization through a period of significant growth and transformation.

“I am deeply honoured to take on this role at such a pivotal time for the rail industry,” says Drysdale. “I am committed to building on the solid foundation laid by the RAC Board of Directors and driving forward initiatives that enhance the sustainability, efficiency, and safety of our industry. Collaboration and innovation will be key as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

For more information about our Board of Directors, please visit our Board of Directors page.

About the Railway Association of Canada

RAC represents close to 60 railway companies and more than 60 associate members (suppliers, consultants, etc.). Our freight railways get millions of people are $380 billion worth of goods across our country and to global markets each year. RAC advocates on behalf of its members and associate members to ensure that the rail sector remains globally competitive, sustainable, and most importantly, safe. Learn more at www.railcan.ca.

Connect with RAC on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Lora Smith
LSmith@railcan.ca