First Canuck named UPS Canada boss

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — What can a Canadian boy do for Brown? The North American LTL and parcel delivery giant is about to find out.

UPS recently announced that Mike Tierney will be as president of UPS Canada — the first Canadian to be appointed to the position. Tierney’s focus for UPS Canada is centered on enabling Canadian business to reach new markets and succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy, the company says.

“Companies need to take advantage of the growing opportunities available through global trade,” said Tierney in a press release. “By the year 2015, some 30 per cent of global GDP is expected to be cross-border international trade. Yet a recent report from Industry Canada indicates only 1.4 per cent of small businesses are currently targeting cross-border markets for growth.”

Tierney, 50, replaces Glenn Rice, who has accepted responsibility for UPS package operations in eight U.S. states encompassing New York, New Jersey and New England, with over 44,000 employees.

A 25-year veteran of the company, Tierney began his career with UPS in 1981 as a package car driver in Mississauga, Ont. His strong leadership and business acumen, says UPS, led him to progressive management positions in customs brokerage, business development, operations and public affairs.

During his tenure, Tierney played a critical role in the development of UPS Canada’s infrastructure and worked actively with governing bodies to facilitate trade between Canada and the U.S.

Prior to his new position, Tierney led operations in a U.S. district that encompassed Arkansas, northern Mississippi and western Tennessee.

UPS Canada plays a key role in the company’s global operations. With more than 8,000 employees, a fleet of 2,500 delivery vehicles and more than 1,000 service points, it serves every address in the country and delivers Canadian packages to over 200 countries and territories.