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UPS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jim Kelly retired from his position effective January 1, 2002. Under Jim’s leadership, UPS became recognized around the globe as a leader, not just in the transportation industry, but in the entire business world.
During his tenure as CEO, UPS continued its technological advances in online services, package information capabilities, and operating efficiencies. We expanded our global reach through enhanced operating authorities, such as the acquisition of rights to serve China. We also vastly improved our ability to serve total customer needs in moving goods, information, and funds – both through innovative solutions developed by UPS people and through strategic acquisitions. Jim also led UPS through a November 1999 initial public offering, which at the time was the largest in history.
While Jim served as CEO, we achieved success in these exciting new arenas while continuing to expand our core business – with UPS people serving more than 6 million customers each day.
His career spanned 37 years, beginning with a job as a delivery driver in Secaucus, NJ. He held a variety of positions at UPS until being named CEO and Chairman of the Board in January 1997.
Jim Kelly’s genuine concern for people, his humble manner, his unwavering belief in ethics, and his vision of what this company could be have been instrumental in making UPS the company it is today. People who worked with Jim say he felt he was just one of over 371,000 UPS people who had a job to do. He disliked fanfare and avoided the spotlight.
So, at this time we’ll just say, “Thanks, Jim. It’s been great.”
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