D. James Umpleby III is the CEO of Caterpillar Inc., a role he took on January 1, 2017. He has a strong background in engineering, holding a Bachelor's degree from West Point and an MBA from Harvard. Prior to becoming...

D. James Umpleby III is the CEO of Caterpillar Inc., a role he took on January 1, 2017. He has a strong background in engineering, holding a Bachelor's degree from West Point and an MBA from Harvard. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as the Group President of Energy and Transportation at Caterpillar and was Vice President of Solar Turbines, a Caterpillar subsidiary. Under his leadership, Caterpillar has focused on driving performance metrics that align with company goals, pushing for innovations in heavy equipment manufacturing. Umpleby's compensation reflects a significant annual bonus linked to Caterpillar's strong performance, totaling $2.5 million in 2023, but interestingly, he has emphasized cash incentives rather than stock options in his pay structure. This indicates a focus on immediate results. He’s navigated challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, where bonuses disappeared in 2020 but has since recovered. Umpleby is not just a numbers guy; he’s implementing a vision that mixes strategy with practical outcomes, aiming for a brighter future in a competitive market.