QR National is looking for a new chief financial (CFO) officer after the resignation of Deb O’Toole.

The rail freight operator on Friday said Ms O’Toole had decided to step down and would leave the company after November’s annual general meeting.

QR National chief executive Lance Hockridge said, in a statement, Ms O’Toole left the company with “our gratitude and best wishes for the future”.

Mr Hockridge said the CFO position would be filled by Keith Neate while the company conducted a global search for a replacement.

Mr Neate, who previously was CFO for eight years at the then Virgin Blue airline, currently supported the finance functions in QR National’s marketing and operations, the company said.

At 1149 AEDT on Friday, QR National shares were up four cents at $3.79.