President of UPS Airlines retires

UPS has announced that Robert L. “Bob” Lekites, president of UPS Airlines, is retiring after 36 years of service at the global logistics company. Mitch Nichols, vice president of UPS Air Group operations, has been named to replace Lekites.

As president of UPS Airlines, Lekites had responsibility for all aspects of the company’s airline operations as well as Worldport, UPS’s package processing facility and all-points international air hub in Louisville.

Lekites started with UPS in 1974 as a delivery driver. In 1979, he was promoted into management as an industrial engineer. Over the next two decades, Lekites worked in a variety of leadership positions in UPS’s package and hub operations in Los Angeles, Columbia, S.C. and Philadelphia before he became director of UPS Flight Operations in Louisville in 1996. In 1997, Lekites was given responsibility for UPS’s airline and international operations.

Under Lekites’ direction, UPS’s global air network expanded considerably with the introduction of several new aircraft types, numerous new flights and the opening or expansion of multiple gateways and air hubs around the world.

“Bob’s leadership was instrumental as UPS Airlines made the transition from being primarily a domestic carrier to a global logistics leader with the most comprehensive integrated transportation network on the planet,” said David Abney, UPS chief operating officer. “Over the course of his distinguished career, Bob made innumerable contributions that helped UPS expand its reach to nearly every corner of the world.”

Nichols, who will succeed Lekites, began his career with UPS in 1987. During the next few years, Nichols ascended to positions of greater responsibility within the organisation, including general manager, until 2000, when Nichols was reassigned to Louisville to oversee UPS’s aircraft maintenance and engineering function.

In 2007, Nichols was promoted to vice president of UPS Air Group operations where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of UPS’s airline including safety, security, aircraft maintenance, flight operations, labour relations, and other core functions.

“With his background in technology, strategy, quality and operations, Mitch brings a depth of insight and experience that will be invaluable in his new position,” added Abney. “Throughout his 23-year career, Mitch has held a wide range of positions that make him very well qualified to lead UPS Airlines and take our company to even greater heights.”