OMAHA, NEBRASKA, U.S.  — Jim Vena has been named chief operating officer of Union Pacific (UP), effective Jan. 14. In his new role he will lead all aspects of UP’s operations, including Unified Plan 2020 implementation, the company’s new operating plan that launched in October 2018. He will report to Lance Fritz, chairman, president and chief executive officer.

Vena spent 40 years with Canadian National, most recently as executive vice-president and COO until retiring in June 2016. Earlier in his career at CN he spent time as a brakeman and held progressively increasing responsibilities in the company’s operations as well as marketing and sales groups.

“Unified Plan 2020 combines precision scheduled railroading principles with our own UP Way tools and best practices,” Fritz said. “We have been making excellent strides rolling out Unified Plan 2020, and Jim’s vast knowledge of the precision scheduled railroading model brings significant experience and expertise that will enhance the work already under way.”

Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corp. Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the United States by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain.