Richard K. Davidson

Richard K. Davidson (born January 9, 1942) is a retired American railway executive.

Richard K. Davidson
Born
Richard K. Davidson

(1942-01-09) January 9, 1942
Allen, Kansas
EducationBachelor of Arts (History), Washburn University
OccupationRailroad executive
Known forCEO of Union Pacific
Spouse(s)Trish
Notes

Early life

Davidson was born in Allen, Kansas to a Richard Davidson, a farmer working in soil conservation, and his wife Thelma. His father died when he was six years old.[1]

Railroad career

He entered the railroad business at eighteen by working as a brakeman/conductor nights and weekends with the Missouri Pacific Railroad to cover the expense of studying at Washburn University, where he graduated in 1966. In 1968, at twenty-six, he became a superintendent, and was transferred to Shreveport, Louisiana. In 1976, he was moved to the headquarters in St. Louis and became vice president of operations. In 1982, when Union Pacific Railroad merged with Missouri Pacific, he was promoted to vice president of operations for the combined company. He was promoted to President and CEO in 1991 and Chairman and CEO in 1997.[1]

His tenure as CEO begun in the midst of a crisis due to system incompatibilities as Union Pacific absorbed Southern Pacific Railroad. The company's stock dropped throughout the remainder of the 1990s, and would not recover until 2002.[2] He was awarded Railroader of the Year in 2003. He retired as CEO in 2006, and as Chairman in 2007.[1]

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See also

References
  1. Kansas Historical Society (January 2016). "Richard K. Davidson". Kansapedia. Retrieved 2017-01-08.
  2. Galuszka, Peter (2004-01-01). "Back on Track". Chief Executive. Retrieved 2017-01-08.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by
E. Hunter Harrison (BN, IC, CN)		 Railroader of the Year
2003		 Succeeded by
Robert J. Ritchie (CP)


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