JCB appoint first chief operating officer

JCB, currently the world’s fourth largest producers of construction equipment based on volume, have appointed their first chief operating officer as part of the company’s long-term strategy for achieving global growth.

Matthew Taylor has been appointed to the new position in addition to his current role as managing director of JCB Sales. He will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of JCB worldwide, except for North and South America.

JCB’s North and South American operations will be merged and will come under the responsibility of Graeme Macdonald, in his new role as president of JCB Inc. – The Americas, based in Savannah, Georgia.

Both Mr Taylor and Mr Macdonald will report to JCB managing director and CEO John Patterson, who will now devote more time to developing the group’s strategy in the Americas and Asia with the aim of achieving JCB’s goals for long-term sales growth. The company has a five-year plan to almost double revenue to $4.5billion (£2.4 billion).

Mr Patterson, who will also become chairman of JCB Inc., said: ‘In the last five years we have become a truly global company and these management changes will ensure that JCB achieves its ambitious long-term goals.’

All the changes are effective from 1 January 2007.