Wes Wheeler retires, John J Bolla takes over as new President of UPS Healthcare
With decades of experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries, Bolla most recently oversaw the UPS Healthcare Logistics and Distribution group
John J. Bolla has been promoted to the role of President of UPS Healthcare
UPS has promoted John J. Bolla to the role of President of UPS Healthcare after Wes Wheeler announced his retirement from his position as President of UPS Healthcare following a 43-year career in the industry.
"John J. Bolla has been promoted to the role of President of UPS Healthcare. With decades of experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries, John most recently oversaw the UPS Healthcare Logistics and Distribution group. We are confident that under his leadership and alongside our unstoppable team, UPS Healthcare will continue to deliver what matters for all stakeholders," cited a post on social media platform LinkedIn by UPS Healthcare on the development.
Wes Wheeler, who was previously CEO of Marken, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UPS, had taken over as president of UPS’s global Healthcare and Life Sciences (HCLS) unit in December 2019 and began at his new role in January 2020.
His appointment came in line with UPS's announcement in October 2019 of its plans to align all of its healthcare and life sciences operations and commercial groups within a single UPS HCLS unit. UPS Healthcare was launched as a dedicated healthcare and life sciences vertical in 2020.
UPS’s HCLS unit provides extensive supply chain management, cold chain, clinical trials, global transportation, and other critical healthcare service operations. It includes Marken, Polar Speed, and the company’s 114 healthcare-dedicated facilities. During his 40-year professional career, Wheeler has been involved in every key functional area in pharmaceuticals, including manufacturing, drug development, supply chain logistics, marketing, and engineering.
On Wheeler's retirement, a post by UPS cited, "Under his guidance, UPS Healthcare achieved remarkable milestones including the transportation of over 1 billion COVID-19 test kits to every zip code in the U.S. and delivering nearly 2 billion COVID-19 vaccines to more than 110 countries. Additionally, we launched UPS Premier in 45 countries, providing superior visibility and prioritized handling for specialized shipments. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Wes for his unwavering commitment to the healthcare industry and for the many accomplishments achieved under his leadership. On behalf of Team UPS Healthcare, we wish him and his family all the best in retirement."
Wes Wheeler
Kate Gutmann, EVP, President of International, Healthcare and Supply Chain Solutions also took to social media to share the news via a LinkedIn post and wrote, "Wes Wheeler has announced his retirement after an incredible 43-year career in the industry, most recently serving as the president of UPS Healthcare. Under his leadership and working with UPSers worldwide, UPS accomplished major feats including transporting 1B+ COVID-19 test kits to every zip code in the U.S, delivering nearly 2B COVID-19 vaccines to 110+ countries, and launching UPS Premier in 45 countries, providing superior visibility and prioritized handling for specialized shipments. Wes, on behalf of Team UPS, thank you for your many contributions, and best wishes to you and your family in retirement!"
She added, "John J. Bolla has been promoted as president of UPS Healthcare. I am confident that under his leadership, and together with our unstoppable team, UPS Healthcare will continue to deliver for all stakeholders."
