OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific
today appointed Eric Butler
executive vice president and chief administrative officer and
Beth Whited executive vice president
and chief marketing officer. Butler will be responsible for
strategic planning, human resources, labor relations and general
administration. Whited, who succeeds Butler, will be responsible
for Union Pacific's six major business units: agricultural
products, automotive, chemicals, coal, industrial products and
intermodal. Butler succeeds long-time Union Pacific executive
Diane Duren, who announced she will
retire in February after 32 years of service. Until then, Duren
will serve as senior vice president and corporate secretary.
Union Pacific named Kari Kirchhoefer vice president and general
manager – Chemicals, succeeding Whited.
All the appointments are effective Dec.
1.
Butler has served as executive vice president and chief
marketing officer since March 2012.
Previously, he had been vice president and general manager –
Industrial Products since 2005, after serving two years as vice
president and general manager – Automotive. Since joining the
railroad in 1986, Butler has held a number of positions including
vice president – Supply and vice president – Planning and Analysis.
He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and an MSIA
from Carnegie Mellon University.
Whited has led Union Pacific's Chemicals business since
October 2012. She previously was vice
president of the company's National Customer Service Center and
held a variety of executive roles in Strategic Planning, Investor
Relations, Finance and Marketing & Sales including president of
subsidiary Union Pacific Distribution Services. Whited joined the
company in 1987. She earned her bachelor's degree in business
administration with a major in accounting from the University of Iowa.
Kirchhoefer has been assistant vice president – Industrial
Products since December 2015. During
her 24 years with Union Pacific, Kirchhoefer served as president of
the company's Streamline subsidiary in addition to Marketing &
Sales positions in Agricultural Products and the Market Development
Sales Center. She earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from
Northwest Missouri State
University.
Duren Retiring
Duren joined Union Pacific in 1985 and
held a variety of positions in Finance and Marketing & Sales.
She became the first woman to lead one of Union Pacific's
multi-billion dollar business units, first as vice president and
general manager – Agricultural Products and then as vice president
and general manager – Chemicals. Duren earned honors from many
organizations including the Women's Center for Advancement as a
Tribute to Women honoree; Profiles in Diversity Journal as a "woman
worth watching," and Pink magazine as one of the top 15 women in
business. She was appointed by Omaha Mayor Jean
Stothert to the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention
Authority Board of Directors in 2014, and currently is the
organization's Chairwoman. She also serves as vice chair of the
Children's Hospital and Medical Center board. Duren holds a
bachelor's degree in business administration from Creighton University, where she was awarded a
Business Alumni Merit Award.
"Diane has made innumerable and significant contributions to
Union Pacific's success," said Lance
Fritz, chairman, president and chief executive officer.
"Diane was a pioneer who blazed a trail for many, including in her
most recent role where she served as chief strategy officer and led
Union Pacific's talent management initiatives. Her business acumen,
combined with a real passion for developing talent, was invaluable.
Union Pacific is a better company today
than it was when she started. We are grateful for Diane's
contributions and appreciate her support during this transition
period."
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Railroad is the
principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE:
UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific
Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the
country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply
chain. From 2006-2015, Union Pacific invested approximately
$33 billion in its network and
operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The
railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products,
Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal.
Union Pacific serves many of the
fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major
West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to
eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad
serving all six major Mexico
gateways. Union Pacific provides value
to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe,
reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible
manner.
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SOURCE Union Pacific