Rob Reilly

Background

About Rob Reilly

Senior Advisor to the Chairman of the STB, advising on matters related to the transportation and rail industry and assisting in reforming regulatory policy. Over 30 years of frontline operational expertise in rail, intermodal, and port operations. Former Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer for Canadian National Railway, developing a team of members from the Transportation, Engineering, Mechanical, Network Operations, Technology, and Safety groups. Responsible for the safety, service, and efficiency of CN's continuous operations across North America.“CN Chief Operating Officer, Rob Reilly, has led a safety culture change that has created a safer railroad while improving customer service and all key operating metrics.” - Influential Leader in the Rail Industry, Railway Age, 2022SAFETYInitiated a culture change focused on safety, producing CN’s all-time best safety ratio, highlighted by an industry record 2+ years without a fatality or serious injury. SERVICEAs recognized by the Surface Transportation Board, my team showed superior resiliency during the supply chain crisis in delivering record movements of commodities, distinguishing our service from other railroads. EFFICIENCY Record Q4 operating ratio of 57.9% in 2021 and 2022. Record employee productivity.$400M annual cost improvements without compromising safety, service, or morale. Record fuel efficiency, saving $300M during my tenure.BEST-IN-INDUSTRY​ Industry-leading growth: 21% EBITDA and 22% operating income gain during my tenure. Industry-leading operating ratio: Q3 57.2%, Q4 57.9%, annual 59.9%. CN's market capitalization increased $30B, and the stock price appreciated 55% during my tenure, strongly outperforming other Class 1 railroads. Industry record 2+ years without a fatality or serious injury. Largest intermodal growth of the Class 1 railroads.Proficiently managed multi-billion dollar operating and capital budgets amidst changing market conditions and disruptions from the pandemic, extreme weather events, strikes, and illegal blockades while producing industry-leading results and the best KPIs in CN’s history. ​Advanced operational efficiency and technology for the supply chain: Partnered with Google Cloud to plan and implement Digital Scheduled Railroading. Facilitated FRA approval of a test program for Autonomous Track Inspection. Promoted the development of Autonomous Inspection Portals. Incorporated battery-electric locomotives and trucks into CN's fleet and increasing the usage of biofuels.