Caterpillar Inc. has announced the retirement of two corporate officers. Retiring effective Dec. 31, 2002, are David A. McKie, vice president with responsibility for the Component Products & Control Systems Division, and A.J. Rassi, vice president with responsibility for the Track-Type Tractors Division.
"Both Dave and A.J. are tremendous visionaries, and their leadership will be missed," said Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Glen Barton. "These men share a unique ability to bring out the very best in the people they lead, and their results show it. Without question, our company is stronger today because of the countless contributions they’ve made through the years. On behalf of the board and the more than 71,000 Caterpillar employees worldwide, I thank them for their hard work and dedication."
With the retirements, the Caterpillar Board of Directors took the following actions: Christiano V. Schena has been elected to succeed McKie. Schena began his career with Caterpillar in 1972 and has served in positions throughout Europe, Brazil and the United States. At present, Schena is serving as managing director of BCP Europe within the company’s Building Construction Products Division.
Donald G. Western, currently vice president with responsibility for the Large Power Systems Division, will replace Rassi in the Track-Type Tractors Division.
Gary A. Stroup, currently vice president with responsibility for Solar Turbines Incorporated will replace Western in the Large Power Systems Division.
Robert R. Macier, currently vice president with responsibility for the Diversified Products Division, will replace Stroup at Solar Turbines.
As part of these moves, Macier will not be replaced. Responsibility for the Diversified Products Division will be redistributed among existing vice presidents. This reorganization reduces the number of Caterpillar divisions by one to a total of 25.
"Caterpillar’s bench strength is a tremendous asset that serves our customers, employees and investors very well," Barton said. "I’m pleased that we have strong people around the world to help lead our company to new levels."
Chris Schena is Managing Director of BCP Europe in Leicester, U.K. He joined Caterpillar in 1972 with a degree in business administration from the Universite de l’Etat a Mons, Belgium, followed by an MBA in 1974. He later completed the advanced management program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Schena began his career at Caterpillar as a cost analysis clerk and has served in numerous financial, product and management roles throughout the company. Prior to his current position, Schena held accounting positions both in the United States and internationally, and served as Product Source Planning Manager at the Technical Services Division, Managing Director of Caterpillar Brasil Ltda., Managing Director of Caterpillar France S.A., and General Manager of Caterpillar’s Product Development Division in Geneva, Switzerland.
