The College of Business, along with Illinois State University is proud to host Jim Owens, CEO of Caterpillar, Inc.
Since joining CAT in 1972 as a corporate economist, Owens has held positions of increasing responsibility. From postings in Switzerland and Indonesia, to California and Central Illinois, Owens has contributed to the success of this global powerhouse, improving the quality of life for people living and working in more than 200 countries.
Under Owens’ leadership Caterpillar Inc. has set ambitious goals for 2010 and beyond and is committed to achieving them. “We have a clear blueprint to build on our successes and strengths," said Owens. "Team Caterpillar is as well positioned as any company, in any industry, to succeed in the global economy. We're excited to take on the challenges ahead of us because we have the right strategy, products, technology, footprint and people to win. It's about being number one in every endeavor we pursue, affirming our leadership in technology and innovation, and creating a great place to work. These are the things that will take Caterpillar performance to the next level."
A native of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Owens graduated from North Carolina State University, in 1973 with a Ph.D. in economics. He is director of the Institute for International Economics in Washington, DC; a director of Alcoa Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; a director of IBM in Armonk, New York; and a director of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. Owens is a member of The Business Council, Business Roundtable and the Manufacturing Council in Washington, DC; and the Global Advisory Council to The Conference Board in New York. He provides local community service as a member of the Community Advisory Board of Saint Francis Medical Center and the Civic Federation Board in Peoria.
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