Union Pacific
Omaha, Neb. - Union Pacific Railroad has appointed Josh Perkes to senior vice president and chief human resources officer, reporting directly to CEO Jim Vena effective Aug. 1. Perkes will be responsible for all human resources and labor relations functions and become a member of the company’s senior leadership team.
“Josh embodies the strength of talent and depth of experience within Union Pacific,” Vena said. “His 22 years of leadership across Marketing and Sales, Operating and Human Resources roles on the railroad make him the ideal leader to focus on the heartbeat of our company – developing and advancing our people.”
Perkes most recently served as vice president-Loup Logistics, a wholly owned Union Pacific subsidiary providing innovative transportation and logistics solutions. He’s held leadership positions on Marketing and Sales’ Premium, Industrial, Bulk and Operations teams, as well as across Workforce Resources functions such as talent management, talent acquisition, employee engagement, training, compensation and benefits. He also spent time in field sales, logistics and Operating as part of a cross-functional leadership training program. Perkes has a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
President Beth Whited will serve as a chief advisor to Perkes in his new role, in addition to her responsibilities for Law, Strategy, External Relations, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications.
As part of this announcement, Union Pacific also appointed new vice presidents for Loup Logistics and Corporate Strategy:
- Elise Gosch will succeed Perkes as vice president-Loup Logistics, reporting to Kenny Rocker, executive vice president, Marketing and Sales. Gosch has been with Union Pacific for more than 20 years, most recently serving as assistant vice president-Corporate Strategy, where she has been instrumental in securing new business development opportunities. Her experience includes several leadership roles in Marketing and Sales, including assistant vice president-Intermodal Sales and general director-Commercial Strategy.
- Jeff Pincock is appointed vice president-Strategy and Corporate Development, reporting to Whited. He previously served as assistant vice president-Corporate Development. Pincock has been with Union Pacific for two years and joined the railroad after 17 years in numerous corporate development roles at Ford Motor Company.
Perkes’ leadership team will include:
- Tonya Eggspuehler is appointed vice president-Organizational Development and Total Rewards, Human Resources. She has more than 24 years of service, including Workforce Resources, Finance, and Marketing and Sales. Eggspuehler will lead the Compensation, Benefits, Organizational Development, Talent Acquisition and Workforce Resources Business Partner teams. She previously served as assistant vice president, Human Resources.
- Polly Harris is appointed vice president-Culture and HR Operations, overseeing the Training, Health and Medical, and Diversity and Inclusion teams. Harris is an 18-year Union Pacific employee whose leadership has spanned all parts of human resources at the railroad, in addition to prior roles at Conagra and John Deere.
- Maqui Parkerson, vice president-Labor Relations, has more than 22 years of rail industry experience. She joined Union Pacific in 2021 after holding executive level roles at Kansas City Southern and Norfolk Southern.
“We have a strong bench of talent across the railroad,” Vena said. “Today’s announcements are an acknowledgement of our legacy of building strong leaders with deep experience from across all parts of the railroad and transportation industry.”
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP) delivers the goods families and businesses use every day with safe, reliable and efficient service. Operating in 23 western states, the company connects its customers and communities to the global economy. Trains are the most environmentally responsible way to move freight, helping Union Pacific protect future generations. More information about Union Pacific is available at www.up.com.