Just when I thought I understood the divisions of John Deere they go and change them. But this is expected to make them more efficient and customer friendly.
Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) today announced a new global operating model that will combine the technology, expertise, experience, channels and investments of the Worldwide Agricultural Equipment Division and the Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division into a single unit called the Worldwide Agriculture and Turf Division, effective May 1, 2009. Through the new operating model, this combined organization will be positioned to achieve the alignment and efficiency necessary to develop a more complete portfolio to meet worldwide customer needs – while reducing overall costs.
Effective May 1, 2009, the Agriculture and Turf Division unit will have two presidents: David C. Everitt, responsible for the tractor product and the turf and utility product platforms; and Markwart von Pentz, responsible for crop harvesting, hay and forage, and crop care product platforms. In addition, Everitt will have responsibility for sales and marketing in the regions that include U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, Asia, India, and a portion of Africa. Von Pentz will have responsibility for sales and marketing for the rest of the globe including Europe, CIS, the Near and Middle East and Northern Africa, South America, Central America, and Mexico.
James M. Field, current president of the Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division will continue reporting to Mr. Lane in a new role as senior vice president, Deere & Company, with a focus on identifying additional efficiencies and opportunities across the enterprise.