James W. Owens

Overview

James W. Owens, 61, is chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Caterpillar Inc., a manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines. He is a member of IBM's Audit Committee. Mr. Owens joined Caterpillar Inc. in 1972 as a corporate economist and subsequently held various management positions, including chief financial officer. He was named group president in 1995, vice chairman in 2003 and to his current position in 2004. He is a director of Alcoa Inc. Mr. Owens serves on the boards of the Institute of International Economics in Washington, D.C. and the Council on Foreign Relations, and he is also a member of the Business Roundtable. Mr. Owens became an IBM director in 2006.