Jennifer Hamann, the executive vice president and chief financial officer of Union Pacific Railroad, announced she will retire in early 2027.
Hamann joined Union Pacific in 1992 as a member of the company’s audit staff and rose through the organization, serving in leadership roles across Finance, Human Resources, Marketing and Sales, Investor Relations and Corporate Audit before being named CFO in January 2020. Her 35-year career has helped to shape the railroad, officials said.
“For 35 years, she led with integrity and heart, guiding our finances through historic challenges, executing our strategy, mentoring future leaders and representing Union Pacific across the industry,” Jim Vena, Union Pacific CEO, said. “Jennifer was tough – she never said yes, unless she believed it was the right thing to do for Union Pacific. She made this railroad stronger, and her contributions will be felt for generations. I am deeply grateful for her leadership and friendship.”
Hamann has played a key role in strengthening the company’s balance sheet, enhancing its capital allocation strategies and maintaining Union Pacific’s position as an industry leader in financial performance. She was the first woman to serve as Union Pacific’s CFO and was recognized with a Women MAKE Award for her leadership and contributions to the manufacturing and transportation industries.
She also championed employee development and inclusion, serving as executive sponsor of LEAD, Union Pacific’s women’s employee resource group, and was an advocate for fighting breast cancer, leading fundraising efforts at the company for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
“It’s been my honor to serve and represent Union Pacific as its CFO,” said Hamann. “I am grateful for all who supported me along the way – my family, friends and the Union Pacific family I’ve worked alongside for nearly 35 years. Becoming the nation’s first transcontinental railroad is the exciting chapter ahead. I remain an ardent supporter of the merger and with Jim and team leading the way, I’m confident of our success.”
The company said it would announce its succession plans at a later date.