By Stephen Nakrosis

United Parcel Service Inc. on Tuesday said Charlene Thomas, the current chief human resources officer, will assume the role of chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, a new position on the executive leadership team.

The company said the new role "signals a significant step forward for UPS as it strives to build a more inclusive and equitable operating environment." Ms. Thomas' new responsibilities will include furthering UPS' programs and initiatives that infuse DEI into all aspects of the company, and tracking and communicating progress toward DEI goals, the company said

Ms. Thomas will engage with suppliers, customers and other external partners "to encourage the adoption of more proactive DEI efforts."

Also on Tuesday, UPS said DuPont Chief Human Resources Officer Darrell Ford was appointed as UPS' chief human resources officer.

Before working at DuPont, Mr. Ford held leadership roles with Xerox, Advanced Micro Devices, Shell and Honeywell, UPS said.

Both appointments are effective January 1.

--Write to Stephen Nakrosis at stephen.nakrosis@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

12-08-20 1715ET