Jamie Lockwood to Become New CN Railway CFO

The company announced that Jamie Lockwood will succeed long-time executive Ghislain Houle on February 1, 2027.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy freight locomotive and railway track, representing structural continuity in industrial transit. — Canadian National Railway has appointed Jamie Lockwood as its new executive vice-president and chief financial officer, effective February 1, 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jamie Lockwood is set to assume the role of Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer at the Canadian National Railway Company effective February 1, 2027. This transition follows a comprehensive succession planning process as current CFO Ghislain Houle prepares for his retirement.

Why it matters

The appointment emphasizes the company strategy of developing internal talent to maintain leadership continuity. By appointing a long-time employee to the financial helm, the organization aims to ensure stability across its vast rail operations throughout North America.

The Canadian National Railway Company operates a 20,000-mile network that transports over 300 million tons of goods and natural resources annually. Operations for the Montreal-based firm began in 1919.

The players

Jamie Lockwood

A long-time employee who joined the Canadian National Railway Company in 2008 and was selected through internal succession planning.

Ghislain Houle

The outgoing executive who served as the Chief Financial Officer since 2016 and will transition to a strategic advisory role.

Canadian National Railway Company

A major North American transportation leader based in Montreal that operates a 20,000-mile rail network.

The details

Jamie Lockwood, who joined the railway company in 2008, will take over from Ghislain Houle. Houle, who has served as CFO since 2016, will remain as a strategic advisor to the President and Chief Executive Officer until his full retirement on March 31, 2027.

Jamie Lockwood joined the Canadian National Railway Company in 2008.
Ghislain Houle has held the role of Chief Financial Officer since 2016.
Ghislain Houle ends his current tenure as Chief Financial Officer on January 31, 2027.
Jamie Lockwood becomes Chief Financial Officer on February 1, 2027.
Ghislain Houle will retire from the company on March 31, 2027.

Market Landscape

The transition aligns with standard corporate governance practices under the Canadian Business Corporations Act regarding executive succession. This move reinforces the competitive stability of the company within the North American freight sector.

Customers and stakeholders should not anticipate immediate changes to freight pricing or service availability due to the planned leadership transition. The company intends to maintain operational continuity throughout the upcoming year-end reporting cycle.

The takeaway

Succession planning remains a critical pillar for large infrastructure companies to ensure long-term operational stability. Investors and partners should monitor internal leadership shifts as indicators of a firm's long-term strategic direction.

What happens next

Ghislain Houle will serve as a Strategic Advisor to the President and Chief Executive Officer starting February 1, 2027, followed by his official retirement on March 31, 2027.