“Beth’s dedication to UP for more than three decades, leading multiple functions and teams while seeing the railroad through periods of transformative change, has been remarkable,” UP CEO Jim Vena said. “She made history as the company’s first female President, and her significant contributions to our industry, company and people are undeniable.”
Whited, one of Railway Age’s 2021 Women in Rail honorees, has been responsible for strategy, workforce resources, sustainability, law, corporate relations, and government affairs functions since being elevated to President on Aug. 14, 2023. She reports to Vena.
Previously, Whited served as Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Strategy and Chief Human Resources Officer. In this role for 18 months, she helped lead the development and implementation of UP’s strategic vision and oversaw its sustainability initiatives, guiding efforts to reach net zero by 2050.
Whited joined UP in 1987 and has held a variety of executive roles, including President of subsidiary Union Pacific Distribution Services. She has also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, and Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Additionally, she led the Chemicals business for four years and was Vice President of the railroad’s National Customer Service Center.
Whited is a member of the Board of Directors of RPM International Inc., where she serves on the Compensation Committee. She is also a member of the Humanities Nebraska Board, the Omaha Symphony Board, and the Aksarben Foundation Board of Governors. She was a founding member and former President of UP’s LEAD (Lead, Educate, Advocate, Develop) women’s initiative. Whited earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa.
“After 37 incredible years with UP, I am immensely proud and forever changed,” Whited said. “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.”
“Beth has had an extraordinary career and played an essential role shaping UP,” Vena said. “Her leadership has made us stronger and will have a lasting impact.”
A successor will not be appointed. UP told Railway Age that “[t]he President title has been used and not throughout our long history. At this time, there are no plans to name a President.”
Railway Age in 2024 featured Whited as a key speaker at its annual Next-Gen Freight Rail and Women in Rail events.
