Executive Moves: Union Pacific, DB Schenker, Episcale, and Avianca

Union Pacific and DB Schenker appoint senior executives, while Episcale hires two former American Airlines Cargo executives and Avianca’s CEO steps down.    Union Pacific‘s board of directors has elected Lance M. Fritz as chairman, president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1. He succeeds John J. “Jack” Koraleski, who will retire in September after 43 years with the railroad. Fritz, 52, was elected president and CEO on Feb. 5. He also was elected to the railroad’s board at that time. He started his career with UP in 2000 as vice president and general manager of energy.
   UP also elected Scott D. Moore as senior vice president of corporate relations, succeeding Robert W. Turner, who will retire Oct. 1. In addition, Todd M. Rynaski has been elected as chief accounting officer, vice president and controller, succeeding Jeffrey P. Totusek, who will retire in 2016. Both positions become effective Sept. 1. 

   Jochen Thewes was named chief executive officer of DB Schenker Logistics, effective Sept. 1. He replaces interim CEO Karl-Friedrich Rausch and a DB Schenker board member, who will be leaving the company on July 31. Thewes most recently served as DB Schenker’s CEO in Singapore, covering the Asia-Pacific region. Before joining DB Schenker, Thewes held various senior management positions within the global logistics group Kuehne + Nagel.

   Episcale Corp. has hired Jon Snook, former senior vice president of customer service, and David Brooks, former president of American Airlines Cargo to serve as advisors to its eFreight360 product for the air cargo industry.    

   Fabio Villegas Ramirez, chief executive officer of Avianca, said he will leave the air carrier after 10 years in January, citing his interest in pursuing new projects. Avianca has not named a successor.