Huntsman elected to Cat board
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 12 April 2012 18:47
- Written by The Peorian
Jon M. Huntsman Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to China who had a brief run for the presidency this year, was elected to the board of directors at Caterpillar Inc.
The election by the rest of the board is effective immediately, Caterpillar said in a news release.
Huntsman, 51, was ambassador to China from 2009 until last year and before that was governor of Utah for one term, 2005 to 2009. He was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Singapore in 1992-93 and was the U.S. Trade Ambassador from 2001 to 2003.
It is that experience with foreign governments that attracted Caterpillar, said Caterpillar Chairman Doug Oberhelman.
"With his extensive global experience in the business world and as a senior statesman for the United States, Jon brings a unique global perspective and experience to our board that will provide strategic guidance on critical trade and policy issues that are important," Oberhelman said.
Caterpillar also cited Huntsman's leadership experience in the private sector where he has served in numerous executive roles, including as CEO with the Huntsman Corporation, a global chemical company. He is currently chairman of the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, which provides funding for cancer research, improved treatment and cancer education and awareness.
Huntsman is also a director of the Ford Motor Company and serves on the boards of the Huntsman Corporation, the Naval Academy Foundation and the National Committee on US-China Relations.
