James W. Owens

James W. Owens
Born	1946 Elizabeth City, North Carolina, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Economist, business executive
Years active	1972–2010
Known for	Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. (2004–2010)

James W. Owens is an American economist and executive in the manufacturing sector, recognized for his leadership as chairman and chief executive officer of Caterpillar Inc., the leading global producer of construction and mining machinery, diesel and natural gas engines, as well as industrial gas turbines, from February 1, 2004, until 2010.

Early life

A native of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Owens earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Textile Technology from North Carolina State University in 1973, along with a Ph.D. in Economics.

Career

Owens began his career at Caterpillar in 1972 as a corporate economist and progressed through multiple leadership positions. In 1975, he took on the role of chief economist for Caterpillar Overseas S.A. based in Geneva, Switzerland. From 1980 to 1987, he directed various departments in Peoria, Illinois, including Accounting and Product Source Planning. He then served as managing director of P.T. Natra Raya, a joint venture in Indonesia with Caterpillar, from 1987 to 1990. In 1990, Owens was promoted to corporate vice president and president of Solar Turbines Incorporated, a Caterpillar subsidiary located in San Diego. Returning to Peoria in 1993, he assumed the position of vice president and CFO responsible for the Corporate Services Division.

In 1995, Owens was appointed group president within Caterpillar’s Executive Office, managing up to thirteen of the company’s twenty-five divisions over a nine-year period. He was elevated to vice chairman in December 2003 and officially became chairman and CEO on February 1, 2004.

Owens’ board memberships include the Institute for International Economics, FM Global Insurance Company, Alcoa, and International Business Machines. He is affiliated with prominent organizations such as the Council on Foreign Relations, Business Roundtable, and serves on the Global Advisory Council for The Conference Board. His community involvement extends to participation on boards like Peoria’s Civic Federation.

In preparation for Owens’ mandatory retirement at age 65, Caterpillar initiated succession planning in August 2009. On October 22, 2009, Douglas R. Oberhelman was announced as his successor to the CEO role effective July 1, 2010, and subsequently as chairman effective October 31, 2010.

External links

• Political Contributions by James W. Owens (Republican)