Christine Owens, who began her career with UPS (UPS 2.42%) in 1979 as a part-time employee in Philadelphia and steadily moved through the ranks, culminating in her promotion to global communications and brand management executive in 2005, is retiring from UPS, the company announced today. The company dubs her a "trailblazing" executive.

During the course of her long tenure with UPS, Owens held key management roles including becoming the first woman regional president, in addition to holding several operations positions. Owens' responsibilities will be assumed by Teri McClure, in addition to McClure's current position as chief legal and compliance officer, UPS said.

In regards to Owens' tenure at UPS, Chairman and CEO Scott Davis was quoted in the company press release as saying, "Christine was responsible for integrating the communications functions and creating a team that delivered bottom-line business results to make our brand and company stronger than ever."

Like Owens, incumbent global communications and brand management executive McClure serves on the UPS management committee. Owens also is a trustee of The UPS Foundation, UPS' charitable arm.

link