BC Ferries has made an abrupt change at the top, replacing president and CEO Nicolas Jimenez effective immediately.

The company’s board described the move as a leadership transition but did not provide a reason for Jimenez’s departure. Board chair Cathy McLay thanked him for his contributions and wished him well.

Jimenez had led BC Ferries since March 2023 after spending nearly two decades with ICBC.

Brian Anderson, previously BC Ferries’ vice-president of strategy and planning, has been appointed interim president and CEO.

Anderson joined the ferry operator in 1998 and has held positions in planning, operations, customer care and finance. He also previously served as chief operating officer at BC Transit.

Executive vice-president and chief financial officer Dallyn Willis will assume Anderson’s former responsibilities while leading what BC Ferries describes as a revitalization review.

McLay says the review will examine how the company can address growing pressures on the ferry system while continuing to provide safe, reliable and dependable service to passengers and coastal communities.

BC Ferries has not said when it expects to appoint a permanent replacement.