UP names new executives in western region

Union Pacific has named Ken Hunt as regional vice president of operations for the western region, effective Sept. 1.

Hunt, who has served as assistant vice president of operations for the western region since 2005, will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of trains over UP's 10,000-mile of trackage in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. He will be based out of Roseville, Calif., and replaces Tom Jacobi, who will assume the newly created position of vice president of UP's operating systems and practices department.

Jacobi will lead UP's Network Reliability project, which is implementing technology-driven operations for the Omaha, Neb.-based railroad.    has held numerous positions within UP's operations hierarchy, including vice president of premium operations.

Dennis Jacobson has been named vice president of premium operations.

Jacobson's 36-year career with UP has included serving as vice president of operating services.

UP also said Ken Sito was become chief engineer for the southern region on Sept. 1, replacing Jerry Rugg who is retiring after 34 years of service.

Sito, a 32-year rail industry veteran, has served as UP's general director of maintenance of way for the western region.

Sito will be replaced in his western region position by Trent Allen, director of track maintenance in Roseville. 

Source: American Shipper