Deere & Company, a name synonymous with agricultural and construction machinery, has announced the appointment of Kellye Walker as its new Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer (CLO), and Head of Worldwide Public Affairs, with her tenure commencing on April 29 of this year.

Walker is set to fill the shoes of Mary Jones, who is poised to retire later in the year after a remarkable tenure of nearly 27 years with Deere & Company, serving as General Counsel since January 2013. Walker's responsibilities will encompass the management of the company's global law and patent departments, as well as the oversight of its public affairs and environmental, health, and safety functions.

The new CLO brings a wealth of experience from her previous position at Eastman Chemical Company, where she served over four years as Executive Vice President and CLO. Her role at Eastman included leadership of the legal organization and oversight of various critical areas, including corporate governance, compliance, and global health and safety.

Walker's impressive career trajectory also includes executive roles at Huntington Ingalls Industries, American Water, Diageo North America, and BJ’s Wholesale Club. Her expertise is further recognized through her membership on the boards of T Rowe Price Funds and Lincoln Electric Holdings.

John May, Deere & Company's Chairman and CEO, has praised Walker's strategic leadership and problem-solving skills, emphasizing her track record of delivering results in dynamic environments. May's confidence in Walker's capabilities suggests a bright future for Deere & Company as it continues to innovate within the agriculture, construction, and forestry sectors.

For more information about Deere & Company and Walker's announcement as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer (CLO), and Head of Worldwide Public Affairs, read this press release.