The British Columbia Ferry Services Board has announced the appointment of Nicolas Jimenez as president and chief executive officer of BC Ferries, effective March 6.
Jimenez, currently president and CEO of the Insurance Corporation of B.C. (ICBC), was selected following an international search, according to the Ferry Services Board.
Over the last 20 years, Jimenez has held a number of senior roles at ICBC, taking over as president and CEO five years ago. He led structural reforms at ICBC in recent years, returning the auto insurer to financial health and delivering more affordable insurance to customers, according to the Ferry Services Board.
He has a master’s degree in Public Administration from both Harvard University and the University of Victoria as well as a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University.
“Nicolas Jimenez is the right leader at the right time for BC Ferries,” BC Ferries Board Chair Joy MacPhail said in a statement. “He is a change leader with a proven track record of success. He is customer focused with a deep commitment to financial accountability and rate affordability.”
Interim CEO Jill Sharland, who stepped into the role in July, is expected to return to her previous position as vice president and chief financial officer at BC Ferries.
“BC Ferries is facing a series of challenges including staffing shortages, service interruptions and fleet revitalization,” MacPhail said. “Nicolas Jimenez is no stranger to big challenges, and I know he will bring fresh ideas, innovative solutions and a renewed focus on the customer experience.”
