Following long and distinguished careers with the company, Caterpillar Inc. announces that Group Presidents Stu Levenick, 61, and Steve Wunning, 63, have elected to retire. Levenick is a Caterpillar Group President with responsibility for Customer & Dealer Support. Wunning is Group President with responsibility for Resource Industries. Both retirements will be effective in early 2015. Caterpillar also announced that its Board of Directors has appointed current Group President Ed Rapp, 57, as Wunning's replacement. Tom Pellette, 51, currently a Caterpillar Vice President and President of Solar Turbines Inc., has been promoted and will replace Rapp as Group President with responsibility for Construction Industries, and will be relocating from San Diego, CA, to Peoria, IL. Rob Charter, 51, currently Vice President with responsibility for the Excavation Division, has been promoted and will replace Levenick as Group President with responsibility for Customer & Dealer Support, relocating from Singapore to Peoria, IL.
"For the last 10 years, Stu and Steve have both provided critical leadership as part of Caterpillar's Executive Office (EO), capping Caterpillar careers that together total nearly 80 years of service," says Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman. "We will all miss their outstanding leadership, and both leave unique and lasting legacies within Caterpillar, as the company has transformed itself and dramatically expanded to serve new markets and industries over the course of their distinguished careers. In the coming years, I look forward to working with Rob, Tom and the rest of Caterpillar's leadership team as we continue our drive toward improving performance, growing the company, focusing on the customer and delivering our strategic goals over the next several years," Oberhelman adds.
Stu Levenick Retirement
"Caterpillar's independent dealer network is one of the company's key competitive advantages, and I can't think of anyone who has done more to strengthen and deepen the relationship between Caterpillar and its global dealer network than Stu," Oberhelman says. "Most recently, as the architect of our Across the Table dealer transformation, his strategic leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that the alignment between Caterpillar and its dealers will only grow stronger. In addition, Stu was the key executive that drove our acquisition and integration of Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi, the former joint venture in Japan, that is now a fully integrated part of Caterpillar," Oberhelman says.
Levenick joined Caterpillar as a Sales and Marketing Development Representative in 1977. After serving in various management positions in marketing, commercial management and product source planning, he became a division manager in 1989, regional manager for Cat Asia Pte. Ltd. based in Singapore in 1995 and general manager for company operations in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) based in Moscow in 1998.
Prior to becoming a group president, he was based in Tokyo and served as vice president with responsibility for Caterpillar's Asia Pacific Division and chairman of Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd. (SCM), formerly a Tokyo, Japan-based joint venture between Caterpillar and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., now Caterpillar Japan Ltd.
Steve Wunning Retirement
"In a Caterpillar career spanning 41 years of outstanding service, Steve played a crucial role in the development and success of Cat Logistics and our product support business," saYS Oberhelman. "In addition, Steve's executive leadership and long-term vision was critical to Caterpillar's largest ever acquisition in 2011, the purchase of Bucyrus International. That acquisition positions Caterpillar with an unmatched industry-leading range of surface and underground mining products and solutions for global mining customers. It's no secret the mining industry has gone through a tough period the last couple years. In the face of that challenging environment, Steve has provided outstanding leadership and guidance for our global mining employees, dealers and customers, and his acute focus on cost management will have us ready for the mining upturn," Oberhelman adds.
Since joining Caterpillar in 1973, Wunning has had assignments of increasing responsibility in manufacturing, quality, product support and logistics. As one of the first employees and leaders of Cat Logistics in 1987, Wunning capitalized on Caterpillar's expertise in logistics to provide services to other companies around the world. Wunning was named Vice President of Cat Logistics in 1990 and President in 1994, ushering in a period of unprecedented growth for the business. In 1998, Wunning was named corporate vice president with responsibility for the Logistics and Product Services Division. In 2000, he became vice president with responsibility for Cat Logistics, which combined all of the internal Caterpillar and external client logistics operations into a single unit. In 2004, the Caterpillar Board of Directors named Wunning a group president.
Ed Rapp Becomes Group President with responsibility for Resource Industries
Caterpillar's Board of Directors has approved changes in responsibility for Group President Ed Rapp, who currently oversees Construction Industries. Rapp will replace Wunning as Group President with responsibility for Resource Industries, effective January 1, 2015. He will relocate from Singapore to Peoria.
"Ed has led the reinvigoration around the world of our construction business, which has resulted in improved profitability and performance in recent years," says Oberhelman. "He's also provided outstanding leadership in developing a strong core of local leaders across the Asia Pacific region, setting the stage for our future growth and success in that part of the world."
Rapp has been a member of Caterpillar's executive office since 2007, and he served as group president and CFO from mid-2010 until 2013 when he assumed his current role as group president with responsibility for Construction Industries. He was named a Caterpillar vice president in 2000, serving as the head of the EAME Marketing Division until 2004 when he was named vice president with responsibility for the Building Construction Products Division.
Rob Charter Appointed as Group President
Caterpillar's Board of Directors has elected Rob Charter, currently a Caterpillar vice president with responsibility for the Excavation Division, as group president with responsibility for Customer & Dealer Support, replacing Levenick. The move will be effective January 1, 2015.
"Rob brings deep knowledge and experience working with our dealer network and is known within the company for his intense focus on helping Caterpillar customers be more successful with our products and services than they can be with any competitive offering," Oberhelman said. "This focus on customer satisfaction, combined with Rob's extensive global experience – much of that in leadership positions – over the last 25 years makes him ideally suited for this new role."
Charter, a native of Adelaide, Australia, joined Caterpillar in 1989 as a development engineer in Melbourne. He has vast experience working closely with Caterpillar dealers, including those in Australia, Asia and Latin America. His diverse experience also includes product management, most notably his role as product manager in Tokyo, as well as service training, machine sales and service, mining product support, manufacturing, construction, quarry and forestry. In 2005, he was appointed southern region manager in Caterpillar's Latin America Division, a position he held until 2008. In 2008, the Caterpillar Board of Directors named Charter to vice president with responsibility for the Asia Pacific Distribution Services Division. He held this position until January 2013 when he was appointed as vice president with responsibility for the Excavation Division.
Tom Pellette Appointed as Group President
Caterpillar's Board of Directors has elected Tom Pellette, currently a Caterpillar vice president and the president of Solar Turbines Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., as group president with responsibility for Construction Industries, replacing Rapp. His move will be effective January 1, 2015.
"During his more than two decades with Solar, Tom has held senior leadership positions in Asia, Europe andNorth America, with half of his Caterpillar career spent outside of the United States. His demonstrated global perspective, drive for accountability and uncompromising product quality standards, combined with a strong customer focus will position him well to serve our construction business," Oberhelman says.
Since joining Solar in 1993, Pellette has held a range of sales, engineering and product support positions with increasing responsibility, including significant experience in leadership positions in Europe, Asia and the U.S. Prior to joining Solar, Pellette worked for Tennessee Gas and Leybold Technologies.
In 2012, the Caterpillar Board of Directors named Pellette a Caterpillar vice president and the president of Solar Turbines. Pellette, a native of Los Alamos, N.M., graduated in 1985 from Rice University with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
Pellette will join the other members of the EO based in the company's headquarters in Peoria, Illinois.
Following the above announcements regarding, Caterpillar Inc. has announced related changes at the vice president level, including the retirement of Vice President Steve Gosselin.
Steve Gosselin Retirement
After more than 35 years of outstanding service with the company, Steve Gosselin, 56, Vice President with responsibility for the Customer Services Support Division, has elected to retire. Gosselin's retirement will be effective February 1, 2015.
"Much of Steve's career has been spent in marketing and product support roles, and in his most recent position, he has provided critical leadership in strengthening and aggressively growing Caterpillar's aftermarket parts and product support business, and led efforts to strengthen and enhance the Caterpillar and Cat brands globally," says Stu Levenick, current Caterpillar Group President with responsibility for Customer & Dealer Support.
Since joining Caterpillar in 1979 as a parts and service sales trainee, Gosselin has held numerous positions in product support, machine and engine businesses. In 1994, he was named area manager, based in London, responsible for the machinery business in the Northwest quadrant of Europe.
From 1998 to 2000, Gosselin served as the North American distribution manager for the Engine Products Division. He was named Regional Manager for the North American Commercial Division (NACD) in 2000. In 2002, he was named Vice President with responsibility for NACD with accountability for the company's North American dealer development and machine marketing. From 2006 to 2010, he served as President of Solar Turbines Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. In June 2010, he assumed his current position within Caterpillar Customer and Dealer Support.
Gosselin graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in finance and also completed the Northwestern University Kellogg Advanced Executive Program. He is a Director on the Association of Equipment Manufacturers CE (Construction Equipment) Sector Board, chairs the Advisory Board of Eastern Illinois University's School of Business and serves on the Board of Directors for the Heart of Illinois United Way.
George Taylor Appointed as Vice President
Caterpillar's Board of Directors has appointed George Taylor, 53, currently general manager for Caterpillar's Global On-Highway Truck group, to replace Gosselin. Taylor's appointment is effective January 1, 2015.
"Over the last several years as the leader of our Global On-Highway Truck group, George has continually demonstrated a willingness to use innovative solutions and approaches to tackle complex and challenging issues, always with a focus on the customer," Levenick says. "He brings nearly 17 years of management experience from a wide range of positions within Caterpillar, and another 14 years of outside leadership experience with IBM, to this role."
Taylor, a native of Morton, IL, joined Caterpillar in 1998 as a manager in the Strategic Business Planning group. He was then a District Manager for the Power Systems Marketing Division and a District Manager for the North American Commercial Division. In 2003, Taylor moved to Singapore as a Marketing Manager for the Asia Pacific Marketing Division. He has been in his current role, leading the Global On-Highway Truck group, since 2006.
Taylor has a bachelor's degree in Applied Computer Science from Illinois State University and an MBA from the University of Illinois. Taylor serves on the finance committee for the Peoria Housing Authority and is a member of the facilities committee for the Salvation Army, Heartland Division.
New Responsibilities for Pablo Koziner
Following the previous announcement that Tom Pellette, currently a Caterpillar Vice President and the President of Solar Turbines, will assume new responsibilities as Group President for Construction Industries, Caterpillar's Board of Directors has named Pablo Koziner, 41, currently Vice President with responsibility for the Americas Distribution Services Division, as a Caterpillar Vice President and the President of Solar Turbines. His new appointment is effective January 1, 2015.
"In his current role, Pablo has been driving several initiatives to improve the way Caterpillar and its dealers in North and South America work with and support our customers," says Jim Umpleby, Caterpillar Group President with responsibility for Energy & Transportation. "Pablo's leadership skills and customer focus will serve him well in his new role leading Solar Turbines, a leading global supplier of gas turbine systems and services."
Koziner, who grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, joined Caterpillar's Legal Services Division in 2001 as an attorney within the organization's Latin American Commercial Division, based in Miami, FL. In 2005, he assumed the position of Power Systems regional manager in Monterey, Mexico, with responsibility for Caterpillar's Electric Power, Petroleum, Marine and Industrial engine businesses. In May 2008, Koziner was named district manager for Caterpillar's Latin America Commercial Division, based in Santiago, Chile. In 2011, he was promoted to the position of east region manager in the Americas Distribution Services Division, based in Peoria, IL. In October 2013, the Board of Directors named Koziner Vice President with responsibility for Americas Distribution Services Division.
Koziner graduated from Boston College in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in political science, and holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Boston College Law School.
Phil Kelliher Appointed as Vice President
Caterpillar's Board of Directors has appointed Phil Kelliher, 42, to replace Koziner as Vice President with responsibility for the Americas Distribution Services Division. Kelliher's appointment is effective January 1, 2015.
"During his 20-year career with Caterpillar, Phil has demonstrated a strong customer focus and works tirelessly to win the trust and confidence of our customers," says Levenick. "With extensive marketing and product sales support experience in Australia, South America and North America, as well as a senior leadership role as a product manager, Phil is well-positioned to lead our distribution organization for the Americas."
Kelliher, a native of Melbourne, Australia, joined Caterpillar in 1994 as a product specialist based in Melbourne. Over the next several years, he held a number of commercial and marketing roles with increasing responsibilities in Australia. In 2005, he was promoted to a district manager based in Santiago, Chile. In 2009, Kelliher moved to Miami, FL, as an industry region manager. He has been a product manager in the Mining Products Division since 2013.
Kelliher graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering.
Bob De Lange Appointed as Vice President
Following the previous announcement that Rob Charter, currently a Caterpillar Vice President with responsibility for the Excavation Division, will assume new responsibilities as Group President with responsibility for Customer & Dealer Support, Caterpillar's Board of Directors has appointed Bob De Lange, 44, to replace Charter in Singapore. De Lange's appointment is effective January 1, 2015.
"With previous leadership positions in marketing, distribution and as a product manager, Bob brings an ideal blend of experience to this role," says Ed Rapp, Caterpillar Group President with responsibility for Construction Industries. "In addition, Bob has consistently demonstrated a strong values-based leadership style and has an intense focus on understanding customer economics and driving it into our product development programs."
De Lange, a native of Antwerp, Belgium, joined Caterpillar in 1993 in a marketing role based in Gosselies,Belgium. Over the next several years, he held a series of marketing roles with increasing responsibilities in Germany, the U.K., Denmark and the U.S. In 2006, he was named area district and distribution manager, based in Rome, Italy. In 2010, he became a product manager for the Earthmoving Division based in Geneva Switzerland, and in 2013 he was named a worldwide product manager for the Earthmoving Division based in Aurora, IL.
De Lange graduated from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium, with a master's degree in mechanical engineering in 1992. He then earned an MBA in 1993 from the EDHEC University in Lille, France.
