Organizational changes at Caterpillar

Company creates division focused on advancing research, product development and innovation capabilities

FOLLOWING a long and distinguished career with Caterpillar Inc., Gwenne Henricks, currently vice-president with responsibility for the Product Development & Global Technology Division (PD&GT), is to retire from the company and a single research, technology and product development division is to be created.

Jean Savage, current vice-president of the Advanced Component & System Division (ACSD) will lead this newly formed team of ACSD and PD&GT employees, while the manufacturing functions within ACSD will be led by current ACSD operations general manager Steve Ferguson, who will report directly to Resource Industries group president Denise Johnson.

The organizational changes will come into effect on 1 September 2016.

Gwenne Henricks has spent the last four years leading the company’s R&D and technology strategies, concluding a successful 35 years of service with the company.

‘Gwenne has spent her entire career in engineering, product and business management, which made her the absolute right advocate and leader to deploy the Enterprise Technology Strategy and strengthen the global engineering talent pipeline,’ said Denise Johnson.

‘She is one of the most collaborative leaders who’s always focused on what’s best for the enterprise – whether that’s defining and executing on a turnaround plan during her time as Industrial Power Systems Division vice-president or as a critical member of the Tier 4 emissions roll-out across Caterpillar’s extensive product line.

‘I thank Gwenne for her commitment to this company for more than three decades and wish her only the best in her well-deserved retirement.’

After joining Caterpillar in 1981, Ms Henricks held numerous product development, management and business leadership positions with increasing responsibility before being named vice-president with responsibility for the Electronics and Connected Worksite Division in 2007.

She then became vice-president with responsibility for the Industrial Power Systems Division before being appointed her to her most recent position in 2012.

Jean Savage (pictured), who joined Caterpillar subsidiary Progress Rail Services (PRS) in 2002, has an extensive background in engineering and manufacturing with PRS, Caterpillar and in the industry for 14 years prior.

Caterpillar say her proven leadership and background make her well positioned to bring the ACSD and PD&GT groups together as one new team focused on evolving the company’s technology and product development.

‘Jean’s role in leading the formation and development of this new organization will be critical in establishing how Caterpillar accelerate their global research, technology and product development strategies. Our end goal remains – helping our customers through the development and delivery of differentiated products,’ said Denise Johnson.

She added: ‘The creation of this division will also deliver necessary efficiencies, which does mean continued and significant workforce reductions. While difficult, the streamlining at all levels of the company, including within the officer ranks, is necessary given the global market environment that is impacting the company’s business.’