General Motors exec to join Caterpillar board of directors

DEERFIELD, Ill. – Caterpillar Inc. has announced that Gerald Johnson has been elected to the Caterpillar board of directors effective March 1, 2021.

Johnson, 58, is executive vice president of Global Manufacturing at General Motors (GM) Company, a role he has held since 2019. Johnson joined GM as part of a co-op program in 1980 and has held roles of increasing responsibility, including several manufacturing and quality roles in North America and abroad. Prior to his current position, he most recently served as vice president of North America Manufacturing and Labor Relations and vice president of Operational Excellence. Johnson serves on the Kettering University Board of Trustees.

"Gerald has extensive manufacturing and technical expertise as well as a broad range of global experiences," said Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby. "He is recognized for his leadership in sustainability and commitment to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. His skills and insight will complement our board, and I look forward to working with him."

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Johnson joins 11 other members on Caterpillar's board of directors and will serve on the Public Policy and Governance Committee.