Vena, who serves as a board member at FedEx Corp, was previously considered as a candidate to lead Canadian National Railway Co. "We believe that Vena may be uniquely positioned to instill a strong operating culture at UNP and position the company to capitalize on the volume growth opportunities available throughout its network," BMO's Fadi Chamoun said in a note. Other analysts said a new leadership has the potential to improve the company's operating ratio — a key profitability metric.