Union Pacific Appoints Christina Conlin as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary
Union Pacific Railroad, one of the leading transportation companies in North America, has officially announced the appointment of Christina Conlin as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary. Conlin will succeed Craig Richardson, who is set to retire at the end of March 2025, after years of dedicated service to the company.
A New Era of Leadership in Legal Affairs
As the Chief Legal Officer, Conlin will oversee all legal aspects of Union Pacific’s operations, including commercial transactions, litigation, labor and employment matters, and regulatory affairs. Additionally, she will take charge of the company’s claims management team, ensuring that legal and regulatory standards align with Union Pacific’s strategic goals. Her appointment reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest legal and ethical standards while adapting to an ever-evolving business landscape.
Union Pacific’s Chief Executive Officer, Jim Vena, expressed his enthusiasm about Conlin’s leadership, stating, “Christina is a wonderful addition to the Union Pacific team. She brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of leadership that will enhance operational efficiency and drive long-term value.”
Conlin’s Journey to Union Pacific
Conlin joined Union Pacific in December 2024 as Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, where she played a vital role in safeguarding the company’s legal interests. In this role, she worked closely with the senior leadership team, mitigating risks, managing legal affairs, and helping to protect the company’s reputation.
Prior to joining Union Pacific, Conlin built an impressive career spanning multiple industries:
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company – Led the Legal Enterprise Risk group, overseeing labor and employment, regulatory affairs, environmental health and safety, compliance and ethics, and sustainability reporting.
- Baker McKenzie – Served as Partner in the International Commercial Group, specializing in corporate law, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
- McDonald’s Corporation – Held multiple leadership roles, including European Chief Compliance Officer, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance across various markets.
- Private Practice – Began her legal career as a trial lawyer, building a strong foundation in litigation and corporate legal strategy.
Union Pacific’s Commitment to Legal and Ethical Excellence
Conlin’s appointment signals a continued emphasis on legal excellence and corporate responsibility at Union Pacific. With her background in compliance, ethics, and regulatory affairs, she is well-positioned to lead the company through an era of increasing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations. Her leadership will play a crucial role in ensuring that Union Pacific remains compliant with federal regulations, while also strengthening its corporate governance and sustainability efforts.
Craig Richardson’s Legacy and Transition
As Craig Richardson prepares for his March 2025 retirement, Union Pacific acknowledges his significant contributions to the company. Over the past decade, Richardson has helped navigate complex legal and regulatory challenges, positioning Union Pacific as a leader in transportation law and compliance.
Reflecting on Richardson’s tenure, Jim Vena commented, “Over the past decade, Craig has led Union Pacific through a dynamic legal and regulatory landscape. I am grateful for his contributions and look forward to seeing Christina continue to help us navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead as we deliver safe and reliable service for our customers.”
Union Pacific’s Industry Leadership
Union Pacific Railroad (NYSE: UNP) is a key player in the transportation sector, delivering goods and essential products across 23 western U.S. states. With a legacy spanning more than 160 years, the company is committed to safe, reliable, and efficient freight transportation, connecting customers and communities to the global economy.
Union Pacific is also recognized as an industry leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility. The company continues to prioritize the reduction of its carbon footprint, investing in fuel-efficient locomotives and innovative rail technologies to promote sustainable freight solutions. As rail transportation remains one of the most environmentally responsible ways to move goods, Union Pacific plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of eco-friendly logistics.
Looking Ahead: Union Pacific’s Legal and Strategic Vision
As Conlin steps into her new role, she will lead Union Pacific’s legal team in shaping policies that align with corporate strategy, risk management, and industry best practices. Her expertise in corporate compliance, labor laws, and regulatory affairs will be critical as the company continues to expand its influence in the freight transportation industry.
Conlin’s leadership will also be instrumental in addressing emerging challenges, such as advancing digital transformation, navigating evolving federal transportation policies, and enhancing workplace safety and labor relations.
ConclusionWith Christina Conlin’s appointment, Union Pacific welcomes a visionary leader who will help steer the company through legal and regulatory complexities while reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence. As she succeeds Craig Richardson, her legal acumen and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to Union Pacific’s long-term success in the ever-changing world of transportation and logistics.
For more details about Union Pacific, visit www.up.com.