UP announces exec management changes, EVP Scott's retirement

Union Pacific Railroad yesterday announced executive management changes, including the retirement of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cameron Scott.

UP officials announced the following executive appointments: Beth Whited to EVP and chief human resources officer; Tom Lischer to EVP, operations; Kenny Rocker to EVP, marketing and sales; David Giandinoto to VP, Harriman Dispatching Center and network operations; and Kari Kirchhoefer to VP, industrial.

The appointments are effective immediately, according to a UP press release.

"This new organization positions us to tackle the challenges and opportunities of today and into the future," said Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Lance Fritz. "Specifically, we must deliver a more consistent and reliable service product for our customers, and we need to further engage employees to unlock new levels of passion and dedication while leveraging our diverse talents."

Scott's retirement will be effective Feb. 28, 2019. He will serve as a company VP until then. He has been EVP and COO since February 2014. He had been VP of network planning and operations since 2012, where he was responsible for directing service design and evaluation, transportation planning, network and capital planning, network development and joint facilities activities. Scott served as vice president of operations for the western region prior to that. He joined the company in 1990.

Whited is responsible for human relations and labor relations functions and will lead the company's new employee engagement and culture initiatives. She has served as EVP and chief marketing officer since November 2016.

Lischer is responsible for the company's train operations throughout the railroad's 23 states. He is in charge of all transportation services, including managing and maintaining locomotives, rail cars, tracks, train dispatching and crew calling, as well as Mechanical and Engineering functions. Most recently, he led UP's centralized train dispatching organization since April 2017.

Rocker is responsible for the company's four major business units: agriculture, energy, industrial and premium, including UP's Mexico business that accounted for about 11 percent of the railroad's total 2017 volume. He also oversees the customer care and support team and the Loup Logistics subsidiary. Rocker served as VP and general manager of the industrial business since August 2016.

Giandinoto leads UP's centralized train dispatching organization. He joined Union Pacific in 1994 and most recently served as assistant VP, locomotive distribution and network operations.

Kirchhoefer is responsible for customers in multiple commodity areas including construction, lumber and paper products, metals and ores, specialized markets, minerals, industrial chemicals, plastics and soda ash. Most recently, she served as VP, customer care and support.

"Beth, Tom and Kenny will bring experience, energy and expertise to their important leadership roles, while David and Kari have successful track records and are well prepared to take on even greater levels of responsibility," Fritz said.