People News: TransLink, STV
Written by Carolina Worrell, Senior Editor
Sany Zein (pictured) has been appointed President and General Manager of BC Rapid Transit Company, effective Oct. 3.
TransLink announces Sany Zein as President and General Manager for BC Rapid Transit Company (BCRTC). Also, STV welcomes Jacqueline Opal as Chief People Officer.
TransLink
TransLink announced on Sept. 12 that Sany Zein has been appointed as the new President and General Manager of BCRTC, effective Oct. 3.
Zein, who is replacing Acting President and General Manager, will be responsible for the operations of SkyTrain and West Coast Express (WCE). Mike will return to his role of Vice President of Operations at BCRTC, responsible for all rail operations in the region, including the Expo and Millennium Lines and WCE.
A professional engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, Sany brings to the role “extensive knowledge in rail industry topics, such as customers’ evolving expectations, supply chain challenges, labor market dynamics, procurement and delivery models, asset management, system modernization and digitization, and ridership recovery,” TransLink said. Sany is currently the Vice President of Transit and Transportation (Canada) with global consultancy firm Jacobs. In that role, he “leads the development of strategic growth plans, gaining exposure to major rail initiatives across Canada, including in Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton.”
“Sany’s proven track-record, commitment to the region, and familiarity with both BCRTC and WCE will greatly benefit the organization and the region as we prepare for rail expansion while continuing to deliver reliable service for customers,” said Steve Hunt, Chair of BCRTC’s and WCE’s Board of Directors.
Previously, Sany was a member of the TransLink team for more than 12 years, serving as Vice President of Engineering from 2016 to 2021. He oversaw the delivery of the annual capital program and the development of the strategic asset management program and was a key leader in many capital projects and programs, such as the Evergreen Extension, Broadway Subway, Surrey-Langley SkyTrain, Canada Line upgrades, SkyTrain fleet expansion, major station upgrades, and upgrades to rail maintenance and operations facilities.
“We are pleased to welcome back Sany to the organization,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “With [more than] 30 years of experience in the transportation industry, Sany brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role as we continue to rebuild ridership and prepare to expand service across the region.”
STV
STV announced on Sept. 12 that Jacqueline Opal has joined the firm as its new Chief People Officer. In this role, Opal will lead STV’s human resource strategy and teams to “ensure effective and efficient human resources (HR) services that support the firm’s business needs and growth goals.”
Most recently, Opal served as the Chief People Officer at a global leader in energy and environmental technologies and services for the power and industrial markets. With more than 20 years of experience, her expertise, STV says, spans all facets of strategic human resources, including compensation, benefits, talent acquisition and talent management.” She also has an extensive background supporting mergers and acquisitions, including human resources due diligence and post-acquisition integration efforts.
An active community member, Opal serves on the Team Northeast Ohio Talent Development Council, as well as a development equity council with key diversity and human resources leaders. She earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Central Florida and has a Green Belt Six Sigma Certification.
“Our people are essential to our success,” said STV President and CEO Greg Kelly, PE. “I am excited to welcome Jacqueline to our team as she drives towards enhancing our employee experience by connecting, mentoring and challenging the next generation of STV leaders, and elevating STV as the employer of choice among our peers.”
