StoneIn his new position, Stone will be responsible for the overall management and performance of the company’s global construction and forestry operations. In addition, he will oversee Deere’s engine, drivetrain and electronic-component business.
Joining the company in 2002, Stone has managed several operations, including the company’s global utility tractor product line. Since 2016, he has been senior vice president of Deere’s Intelligent Solutions Group, in charge of developing precision technologies. He was also instrumental in opening John Deere Labs, a San Francisco-based research unit focused on technologies such as machine learning and robotics.
Stone succeeds James M. Field, 57, who will assume a new role as senior advisor, Office of the Chairman, providing counsel on various financial and operating matters. Field had been in the position since 2018.
The construction and forestry division was recently organized along production systems for earthmoving, roadbuilding and forestry, and is also part of Deere & Company’s recently announced Deere Smart Industrial strategy. This strategy will concentrate on three areas:
Production Systems: The new production systems structure “enables the company to drive an integrated product roadmap and related investments that span all aspects of a customer’s jobs and to more fully meet customer needs,” Deere says.
Technology Stack: Includes technology and R&D designed to deliver intelligent solutions through technology stack made up of hardware, embedded software, connectivity, data platforms and applications.
Lifecycle Solutions: Integrating Deere’s aftermarket and support capabilities to more effectively manage customer equipment, service, and technology needs across the full lifetime of a John Deere product, and with a specific lifecycle solution focus on the ownership experience.
