Key Takeaways
- Brian Sikes, Chairman and CEO of Cargill, has joined the Deere & Company board, bringing more than three decades of global agribusiness leadership.
- Deere & Company says Sikes’ experience across supply chains, protein, and food ingredients will support the company’s strategic direction.
- John C. May highlighted Sikes’ understanding of farmer needs, technology adoption, and sustainability trends.
- The appointment increases Deere & Company’s board size to 11 members, including 10 independent directors.
Deere & Company Welcomes Brian Sikes to Its Board
Deere & Company has appointed Brian Sikes, board chair and chief executive officer of Cargill, to its board of directors. Sikes leads one of the world’s largest privately held agriculture and food companies and is widely recognized for his strategic vision and contributions to global agriculture.
Cites Strategic Benefits of Sikes’ Appointment
John C. May, chairman and chief executive officer of Deere & Company, welcomed the move, emphasizing Sikes’ broad expertise. “Brian’s decades of leadership at Cargill have given him a deep understanding of the agricultural value chain and the challenges faced by farmers and food producers worldwide,” May said. “His commitment to innovation and sustainability will be instrumental as we continue to transform our business and deliver smarter, more sustainable solutions for our customers.”
Highlights Sikes’ Experience Across Global Operations
Sikes joined Cargill in 1991 and has held leadership roles spanning its protein, food ingredients, and agricultural supply chain businesses. He became president and CEO in 2023 and was appointed board chair in 2024, guiding the company’s strategy across more than 70 countries. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech University.
Deere & Company Expands Board Structure With New Appointment
With Sikes’ addition, the Deere & Company board now includes 11 members, 10 of whom are independent, non-employee directors.
John Deere
Deere & Company, operating as John Deere, is an American corporation headquartered in Moline, Illinois. The company manufactures agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, forestry machinery, diesel engines, and drivetrains, as well as offering financial services and related activities.
Deere is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DE. The company’s well-known slogan is “Nothing Runs Like a Deere,” and it has used a leaping deer logo in various forms for over 155 years. In 2022, it ranked No. 84 on the Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. corporations. Its tractor series include D Series, E Series, Specialty Tractors, Super Heavy Duty Tractors, and JDLink.
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