D. James (Jim) Umpleby III is executive chairman of the board of directors of Caterpillar Inc.
In his 45 years with the company, he gained extensive industry and international experience through various leadership roles. He served as Caterpillar’s CEO from January 1, 2017, through April 30, 2025. Umpleby was named Chairman of the board in 2018 and assumed the role of Executive Chairman on May 1, 2025. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as group president of Caterpillar’s Energy & Transportation business segment and previously served as president of Solar Turbines and vice president of Caterpillar.
As CEO, Umpleby led the development and execution of a new strategy for long-term profitable growth, creating significant shareholder value. In 2024, Caterpillar achieved record full-year adjusted profit per share, which increased more than sixfold during Umpleby’s tenure as CEO.
Umpleby graduated from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He completed an executive leadership program at the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland. He serves on the board of the Chevron Corporation, the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum and the Peterson Institute for International Economics. Jim is a trustee of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and he is a member of Business Roundtable, The Business Council and the National Petroleum Council.
