BC Ferries says it has fired CEO Nicolas Jimenez and started a leadership transition that includes a “revitalization review.”
The Story
BC Ferries has fired its chief executive officer, Nicolas Jimenez, the organization announced as it begins what its board described as a leadership transition and “revitalization review.”
In a statement, the BC Ferries board said it is not releasing many details about why Jimenez was dismissed, but the chair said the review is intended to help ensure the ferry service is optimized for growing demand.
The board also said it is working with the incoming provincial Conservative government to ensure the ferry system is reliable, safe and sustainable.
Jimenez was hired as CEO in March 2023. BC Ferries also said that under its executive compensation statement, he was entitled to 24 months’ severance, with total compensation of more than $550,000 a year between his salary and other benefits.
BC Ferries vice-president of strategy and planning Brian Anderson will serve as interim CEO while the search for a new permanent CEO proceeds following the review.
The BC Ferry and Marine Workers Union said it was not surprised by the decision. Union president Eric McNeely said whoever takes over needs to listen to frontline workers and work constructively with the union, noting that the organization has been operating without a collective agreement for about one year and that negotiations had continued for about 15 months.
McNeely said labour peace and stability matter for a ferry system that is dealing with investments in workers, infrastructure such as terminals, and vessels.
Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson said he acknowledges Jimenez’s firing, while adding that his focus is on ensuring the ferry service in B.C. is improving.
← More stories