Drew Lewis to Be Chairman of UP Railroad

Former Transportation Secretary Drew Lewis has been elected chairman and chief executive of Union Pacific Railroad effective April 1, William S. Cook, chairman, president and chief executive of Union Pacific Corp., said Thursday.

Lewis, who will be based at the railroad’s headquarters in Omaha, also became a director of the New York-based Union Pacific Corp. holding company effective Thursday.

Lewis, who was secretary of transportation from 1981 to 1983, currently is chairman and chief executive of Warner Amex Cable Communications, a position he has held since February, 1983. Warner Amex, the nation’s sixth-largest cable systems operator, is headquartered in New York.

Lewis’ appointment signals the line of management succession for the company, which has substantial interests in energy, minerals and land development in addition to its railroad.

Cook said the 54-year-old Lewis is expected to become president and chief operating officer of Union Pacific Corp. next year and, upon Cook’s retirement at age 65 on Oct. 1, 1987, to succeed him as chairman and chief executive.

“This senior management succession plan will strengthen and ensure the orderly transition of our management team and brings aboard in Mr. Lewis an outstanding executive and transportation authority,” Cook said.

Under the plan, John C. Kenefick, chairman and chief executive of the railroad, will become vice chairman of the holding company April 1 and will serve in that role until his retirement at age 65 on Jan. 1, 1987. Kenefick, in his new position, will work closely with Lewis and Cook, the company said.