Caterpillar names chief human resources officer

PEORIA, Ill. – Caterpillar Inc. announced its board of directors has appointed Cheryl H. Johnson as the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer effective July 24, 2017. Johnson will report directly to Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby, and she will be a member of Caterpillar’s executive office. Johnson brings more than 20 years of human resources leadership experience to Caterpillar. Most recently, Johnson was executive vice president of human resources for Textron Inc., a $13.8 billion global multi-industry aerospace, defense and industrial manufacturing company.

“In today’s highly competitive global marketplace, we have to attract and retain the best talent in order to better serve our customers,” Umpleby said. “Cheryl is a proven executive leader, with a strong track record. She is joining Caterpillar as a member of our executive office. I’m confident Cheryl’s contributions will be significant as we work to profitably grow our company,” Umpleby said.

For the last five years, Johnson has been a member of Textron’s executive leadership team, leading the company’s worldwide human resources function as well as corporate communications, corporate real estate, community affairs and the company's aviation department. Johnson’s 20-year career with Textron has included a number of human resources roles with increasing levels of responsibility within several of its businesses.