Caterpillar group president Ed Rapp to retire due to fight with ALS

Updated Dec 16, 2015
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Ed Rapp, Caterpillar president of the Resource Industries group, has announced his plans to retire due to a recent diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Rapp, 58, has been with the company for 36 years and calls the decision to retire “the toughest choice I have ever faced.”

“Early retirement was not part of my plan,” Rapp said in a statement. “But I have recently been diagnosed with ALS – better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – a disease that currently has no known cure.

“…But, I have a new challenge in front of me, and along with my family, I will now turn my focus and attention to the next chapter in life, which will include fighting the disease, raising awareness and supporting those in search of a cure.”

Rapp has decided to stay with the company through early 2016 and Cat plans to name his replacement in the next few months.

“I have had the honor of working with Ed for more than 30 years, and I can’t think of another leader who better exemplifies Caterpillar’s values and who has had such a positive impact on our global employees,” said Cat Chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman. “Personally, and for the company, Ed’s deep and broad Caterpillar experience, thoughtful leadership and guidance will be deeply missed.”