Charlene Thomas, UPS’s current Chief Human Resources Officer, will assume the role of Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, a new position on the company’s Executive Leadership Team effective January 1, 2021.
Thomas’s new role signals a significant step forward for UPS as the company strives to build a more inclusive and equitable operating environment. Her responsibilities will include furthering UPS’s programs and initiatives that infuse DEI into all aspects of the company, and tracking and communicating progress toward DEI goals. Charlene’s engagement will also extend to UPS suppliers, customers and other external partners to encourage the adoption of more proactive DEI efforts.
Thomas began her UPS career in 1989 and has progressed through various leadership roles at the company. In addition to her extensive operations knowledge, she has experience in global marketing and training and development. In her current role as CHRO, Charlene led the transformation of UPS’s global H.R. team, developing a new strategy for talent and performance management, leadership and culture for UPS’s 528,000 employees.
“Charlene’s leadership has been instrumental as we’ve evolved our H.R. strategy and approach,” said UPS CEO Carol Tomé. “Her vision, experience and knowledge of UPS will be great assets as she champions diversity, equity and inclusion as part of our people-led strategy to make UPS an even better place to work.”
Charlene earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Temple University and her MBA from Eastern University. Recently, Charlene served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, Orangewood Foundation in Orange County, CA, and as an executive board member for Habitat for Humanity. She is also a member of The Executive Leadership Council.
