ICBC CEO steps down for top job at BC Ferries

The CEO of ICBC is making the move to serve as the new CEO of BC Ferries after the position was left vacant in July 2022.

Nicolas Jimenez has served as the CEO of ICBC since July 2018, and has worked at the company since 2003.

He will continue serving the role until Feb. 3.

“Under Nicolas’ leadership, ICBC has overcome significant challenges to deliver one of the most affordable and care-based insurance models in Canada. He has also developed a supportive and collaborative culture, which will help ensure ICBC has a stable but innovative future,” Catherine Holt, ICBC’s board chair said in a statement.

“While Nicolas’ departure i​s a loss for ICBC, we are delighted to see him moving on to BC Ferries, where he will be leading another important public service and great organization with a rich history. We wish him nothing but success in his new role.”​

Jimenez will assume his new role at BC Ferries on March 6.

“Nicolas Jimenez is the right leader at the right time for BC Ferries,” Joy MacPhail, BC Ferries’ board chair 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.”

Mark Collins previously served as CEO of BC Ferries from 2017 until he was let go in July 2022.

READ MORE: Former BC Ferries CEO joins Greater Victoria Harbour Authority board of directors

At the BC Ferries’ Annual General Meeting, MacPhail said Collins was let go from the company as there was a hope to move into a “people centred” direction.

“The board considered going forward wanting a fresh start with a people-centred culture that takes into account all of our employee’s safety in the corporation, passengers, communities that we serve, and we made a decision to begin a search for a new CEO,” MacPhail said in August. “In the meantime, there is a board yesterday established a robust and professional search to select the company’s permanent CEO and that will start immediately.”

READ MORE: Desire for ‘people-centred culture’ cited as reason for BC Ferries CEO ousting

Recently, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority announced Collins would be joining its board of directors.

In the announcement about Jimenez’s hiring, MacPhail says the new CEO has experience dealing with big challenges, like ones facing the ferry company.

“Nicolas is a thoughtful, strategic leader who is committed to enhancing safety, reliability and affordability,” said MacPhail. “BC Ferries is facing a series of challenges including staffing shortages, service interruptions and fleet revitalization. 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.”

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