D. James Umpleby III has been a pivotal figure at Caterpillar Inc. for over four decades, serving as its Executive Chairman since 2024. A native of Highland, Illinois, Umpleby earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1980, the same year he joined Caterpillar as a solar gas turbine engineer. His career progressed rapidly through diverse roles in engineering, sales, marketing, and global operations, including stints in the United Kingdom and Singapore. By 2010, he was named Group President of Energy & Transportation, followed by Vice President positions overseeing mining and energy sectors, culminating in his appointment as Group President for Caterpillar worldwide in 2016. Umpleby ascended to Chief Executive Officer in January 2017 and Chairman of the Board in 2018, steering the company through significant global challenges such as trade tensions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and supply chain disruptions. Under his leadership, Caterpillar achieved record revenues exceeding $67 billion in 2023, expanded its digital and autonomous technology initiatives like Cat Command and MineStar, and advanced sustainability goals, including a commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. His strategic focus on innovation, operational excellence, and shareholder value has solidified Caterpillar's position as the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial turbines, and locomotives. As Executive Chairman, Umpleby continues to guide Caterpillar's long-term strategy, board governance, and enterprise risk management, while supporting CEO Joe Creed in executing day-to-day operations. His tenure exemplifies visionary leadership, earning him recognition such as induction into the Rose-Hulman Hall of Fame and consistent high rankings for Caterpillar on Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies list.