Deere & Company Appoints New Senior Executive

Deere & Company announced the appointment of former Eastman Chemical Company executive Kellye Walker as its new senior vice president, chief legal and global public affairs officer. She will hold the position from April 29th.

Walker will succeed Mary Jones, who has expressed her intention to retire later this year, taking over executive global management responsibilities for Deere & Company's legal and patent teams. Additionally, she will oversee the company's public affairs and environmental health and safety functions.

In her previous role as executive vice president at Eastman Chemical Company, Walker led the company's legal organization, covering corporate governance, compliance, intellectual property, litigation, government affairs, product stewardship and regulatory affairs, as well as global health, safety and security. and company environmental organizations.

Prior to her experience at Eastman, she served as executive vice president and chief legal officer at Huntington Ingalls Industries, the largest military shipbuilder in the United States and a global provider of engineering and defense technology. Her portfolio also includes leadership positions at American Water Works Co., Diageo North America and BJ's Wholesale Club, in addition to her work as a corporate partner at leading law firms in Boston and New Orleans.

John May, president and CEO of Deere & Company, praised Walker's professional career, highlighting his strategic leadership and problem-solving skills. “Throughout her career, Kellye has accumulated an impressive record of experience and accomplishments,” May said.

"His exceptional strategic leadership and problem-solving skills, along with his proven ability to deliver results in a rapidly changing environment, will be of great benefit to our company as we continue to deliver innovative products, services and results for our customers. agriculture, construction and forestry around the world,” he added.