She will shift to a strategic advisor role through early 2026, the railroad said today.
“Beth’s dedication to Union Pacific for more than three decades, leading multiple functions and teams while seeing the railroad through periods of transformative change, has been remarkable,” CEO Jim Vena said in a statement. “She made history as the company’s first female president, and her significant contributions to our industry, company and people are undeniable.”
Whited, 59, was named president in July 2023, when the railroad split the president and chief executive roles upon the hiring of Vena as CEO. She had previously served as executive vice president of sustainability and strategy. As president, Whited oversaw strategy and sustainability, law, workforce matters, corporate relations, and government affairs.
UP said that over her career Whited helped the company navigate through major business development deals, historic labor negotiations, and changes in the external environment.
“After 37 incredible years with Union Pacific, I am immensely proud and forever changed,” Whited, the first woman to become the railroad’s president, said in a statement. “The company has provided me with incredible opportunities to learn and grow, and many colleagues have become lifelong friends. It’s been an honor to be a part of this remarkable team, and I am looking forward to new adventures ahead.”
Whited has led initiatives spanning multiple functions, including marketing and sales, finance, investor relations and human resources.
“Beth has had an extraordinary career and played an essential role shaping Union Pacific,” Vena said. “Her leadership has made us stronger and will have a lasting impact.”
UP does not plan to replace Whited. “The president title has been used and not throughout our long history,” spokeswoman Kristen South says. “At this time, there are no plans to name a president.”
I’m reminded of Rob Krebs and Mike Haverty. Krebs served as the CEO of Santa Fe Industries and Haverty the President of AT&SF Railway. Years before Krebs’ tenure, the Railway had incorporated Industries to be it’s parent company. Krebs, to win a proxy battle, downsized Industries by selling most everything but the Railway. What was left wasn’t “big enough” for both of them. Krebs stayed with Santa Fe; Haverty left to become CEO of Kansas City Southern RaiIway. And the railroad industry “won” by the progress that two men brought while serving as CEOs of their complimentary, not competing, companies.