James R. Young (railroad executive)

James Ruesch Young (October 24, 1952 — February 15, 2014) was an American railroad executive who was the president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board for Union Pacific Railroad from 2006 to his death in February 2014.[1]

Jim Young
Born
James Ruesch Young

(1952-10-24)October 24, 1952
DiedFebruary 15, 2014(2014-02-15) (aged 61)
EducationOmaha South High School
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Bellevue University (Doctorate of Commerce, 2008)
OccupationRailroad executive
Known forPresident, CEO and chairman of Union Pacific Railroad

Early life and education

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Young graduated from Omaha South High School and the University of Nebraska at Omaha.[2]

On June 7, 2008, Young received a Doctorate of Commerce from Bellevue University.[3]

Career

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He began working for Union Pacific in 1978. Through a series of promotions he worked his way up the chain of command to be elected president of the railroad in January 2004. In February 2005, he was elected to the board of directors for the railroad.[2] On January 1, 2006, he succeeded Richard K. Davidson as CEO of Union Pacific Corporation, the parent company of Union Pacific Railroad.[4]

Young assumed the additional role of chairman of the board of directors as of February 1, 2007.[5] He remained as chairman after stepping down as president and CEO.

Death

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Young died on February 15, 2014, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Stock Quotes & Company News | Reuters.com". reuters.com. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  2. ^ a b Union Pacific Railroad. "UP: Executive Profiles - James R. Young, President and Chief Executive Officer". Archived from the original on 2013-05-22. Retrieved 2016-09-21.
  3. ^ "Bellevue University Celebrates 2008 Spring Commencement" (Press release). Bellevue University. Retrieved 2008-06-18.[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Young to replace Davidson at UP helm Jan. 1". Railway Age. November 18, 2005. Archived from the original on December 10, 2005. Retrieved 2005-11-30..
  5. ^ "Union Pacific Elects President and CEO James R. Young Chairman of the Board" (Press release). Union Pacific Railroad. 2007-01-30. Retrieved 2007-01-31.
  6. ^ "James Young, 61, was Union Pacific leader and visionary". Bloomberg. 2014-02-15. Archived from the original on 2014-02-16. Retrieved 2014-02-15.
Business positions
Preceded by President of Union Pacific Railroad
2004-2012
Succeeded by
Preceded by CEO of Union Pacific Corporation
2006-2012
Awards
Preceded by Railroader of the Year
2013
Succeeded by