Doug Oberhelman

Doug Oberhelman has had a sustained trajectory in the corporate sector, with his most prominent roles being the CEO and Executive Chairman of Caterpillar Inc. Oberhelman served as CEO from 2010 to December 31, 2016, and continued as executive chairman until March 31, 2017. Upon joining Caterpillar Inc. in 1975, starting in the treasury department, Oberhelman progressively took on wider responsibilities across multiple businesses within the company, eventually being elected as a Caterpillar vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) in 1995.

Oberhelman's stewardship of Caterpillar was characterized by strategic decisions that led the company through fluctuating business cycles. He was the driving force behind the company's renewed customer-centric approach and reinforced its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. During his tenure, he implemented cost-efficiencies and Lean manufacturing to simplify and enhance global manufacturing and operations. He also lived in North America, South America, and Asia and traveled extensively around the world, marking an international breadth to his leadership at Caterpillar.

Post-Caterpillar, Oberhelman remains an influential figure in the business sector. He currently serves on the board of directors for Exxon Mobil Corporation, Peter Kiewit Sons', Inc., and Bombardier Inc. Furthermore, he served as chair of the Business Roundtable and the National Association of Manufacturers.

With a keen interest in environmental conservation, Oberhelman is vice president of the Wetlands America Trust and sits on the board of the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation. He also chairs the board of trustees for the Easter Seals Foundation of Central Illinois and is a director on the boards of Intersect Illinois. Previously, he served on the boards of Eli Lilly and Company and Ameren Corporation.