UPS names a new chief operating officer

UPS has named David Abney as chief operating officer. Abney will be responsible for international operations, U.S. package operations, global transportation, labor and all freight activities. He was also named president of UPS Airlines, replacing John Beystehner, who retired after 36 years of service.

UPS promoted Alan Gershenhorn to replace Abney as president of UPS International. Gershenhorn previously headed the operations of UPS Supply Chain Solutions in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Abney has served as the president of UPS International since 2002 and began his UPS career in 1974 as a part-time loader/unloader. Abney has worked in U.S. package operations, including as Utah District manager, as well as directing various freight and logistics operations in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Gershenhorn became the head of non-operating functions for UPS Supply Chain Solutions in 2004 and subsequently assumed responsibility for all supply chain operations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. He joined UPS in 1979 in southeast Texas as a part-time loader/unloader. Gershenhorn also joins UPS’s Management Committee, comprised of the corporation’s 12 most senior executives. It oversees UPS’s day-to-day operations.