Stones takes charge of Deere construction

Following his previous election by the John Deere & Company Board of Directors, John Stone has, as of July 1, taken up his position as President, Worldwide Construction & Forestry and Power Systems.

In his role Stone will be responsible for the overall management and performance of the company’s construction and forestry operations throughout the world and for the continued success of the Wirtgen organisation. He will also have responsibility for the engine, drivetrain, and electronic-component businesses.

Stone, who joined the company in 2002, has managed the company’s global utility tractor product line and headed corporate strategy. Since 2016 he has been Senior Vice President, Intelligent Solutions Group and in that role led the company’s efforts to develop precision technologies.

According to a release from John Deere, Stone was instrumental in the opening of John Deere Labs, a San Francisco-based research unit focused on breakthrough technologies such as machine learning and robotics.

According to the most recent Yellow Table John Deere was the third largest construction equipment manufacturer by sales in 2019.

Stone succeeds James M. Field, who will assume a new role as Senior Advisor, Office of the Chairman, effective July 1. Field will provide counsel to company leadership on various financial and operating matters.