Who is Jim Umpleby? Biography, Net Worth, Career & News

Written By Alex Blackburne

Latest in Tech News, Reviews & Education

Caterpillar Inc.’s Chairman of the Board and CEO is D. James (Jim) Umpleby III. In 1980, he became an associate engineer at Solar Turbines, a Caterpillar company. He served in several executive capacities for the corporation for more than four decades. Finally, after years of service, Jim was promoted as the Vice President and President of Solar Turbines. 

Caterpillar has been a force for good on every continent since its establishment in 1925. It is currently available in 193 countries with an employee population of 107,700. Under Jim’s leadership, the company’s direction is straightforward, with a strategic plan for achieving profitable expansion. Jim seeks to build that foundation through expanded capabilities, operational excellence, services, and sustainability.

Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby 

Jim Umpleby became the CEO of Caterpillar on January 1, 2017, and is currently in charge of the company. After receiving the promotion, Jim brought substantial changes to the company. As a result, the market is now experiencing a favorable reaction.

The Chinese market is of particular interest to Jim. Because the Chinese market has been responsible for such a large share of Caterpillar’s sales in recent years, it’s worth highlighting that they have secured many successful deals. 

Photo Credits: Caterpillar

Jim Umpleby Bio

Although the exact date of Jim Umpleby’s birthday is private, we all know that he was born in 1958. He grew up in Highland, Indiana, and Jim Umpleby’s age today is about 64 years old.

Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby spent his teenage years in Highland, Indiana. It is a small community composed of about 22,300 people on the suburban edges of the Chicago metropolitan area. A society that is not far from Lake Michigan.

His surname, Umpleby, is geographical in origin. Popular opinion holds that Umpleby is a toponymic name. Sometimes, people get curious about where a person receives their name. In the 11th century, during the compilation of the Doomsday Book, Anlaby’s village was recorded under the name Umlouebi. Umpleby, formerly its community but now part of Easingwold, is another possibility.

Jim is good at concealing his personal life and family matters away from the eyes of the public media. Jim Umpleby wife is Katherine Umpleby. Upon settling down with Katherine, the couple had two lovely children. Moreover, Jim Umpleby house is currently situated in San Diego, California.

CEO Jim Umpleby Education 

Jim Umpleby was the first member of his family to complete higher education. After finishing his early school years, he continued his science and engineering education at the prestigious Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. In 1980, Jim got his degree of Bachelor of Science, Magor in Mechanical Engineering.

Jim was elected student body president before graduating and achieving his degree in engineering in 1980. Before his graduation, Don Ings, a plant manager of San Diego-based Solar Turbines, was visiting the campus. Don was also from Rose-Hulman, and his visit was to look at and interview prospective engineers.

During Don’s visit, the two met happily by accident and had a brief talk. After their meeting, Jim was left anxious about finding a position where he could make a difference and develop his abilities. Finally, Don decided to take a chance on the recent college graduate. They offered Jim a job at one of the world’s foremost industrial gas turbine systems producers.

Specifically, a gas turbine engine is a form of an internal combustion engine. You can think of the machine as an energy conversion mechanism. It transfers potential energy from the fuel to kinetic energy through rotational power. You can use this power to run a generator, which generates electricity sent via power lines to homes and businesses.

Jim Umpleby Career

Jim Umpleby began his career in the energy industry in 1980. right after his graduation. He started as an associate engineer at Solar Turbines, which subsequently became a Caterpillar subsidiary the following year.

Since then, he has worked in many fields across the business world, such as production, engineering, marketing, and service. In addition, he spent six years in Southeast Asia, mainly Malaysia and Singapore. He describes it as gratifying, giving him a fresh perspective on things.

In a full-circle commencement address to the Rose-Hulman class of 2018. He urged them to,

“Take some risks and try something new throughout the decades to come.”

In other words, make your unique way through life. At the very least, you will develop a new way of thinking about the world. The best-case scenario is that you’ll find a fresh way to contribute at work or in your neighborhood where you can make a difference while still having a good time.

Photo Credits: CNBC

Jim Umpleby Salary

According to reports, James Umpleby received a total of $24,298,032 in remuneration during his time as Chairman & CEO of CAT. Jim’s basic salary is $1,637,500, with a bonus of $4,792,980. He also has stock options worth $8,750,028 and awards for $8,749,964. Additional remuneration totaling $367,560 were also part of the entire package. 

Jim Umpleby Net worth 

The net worth of Jim Umpleby in 2022 is $40 million. Jim is the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, with 107,700 workers in 193 countries. Under his management, Caterpillar is going through rapid expansion and a higher profitability rate.

Caterpillar has served numerous businesses, whether private or public institutions, since its foundation in 1925. Jim aims to continue that tradition via increased capabilities, operational excellence, and services.

The top five income generators are vehicles powered by diesel or natural gas, industrial gas turbines, diesel-electric locomotives, and other construction and mining machinery. Businesses employ Caterpillar technologies to help build a better world. They build infrastructures, mine key commodities, and extract fuels to meet global energy needs.

Photo credits: CNBC

Jim Umpleby Will Remain Caterpillar’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

The Board of Directors of Caterpillar Inc. has recently released a report stating that Caterpillar Chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby will not be required to retire at age 65. With Jim Umpleby Caterpillar age, he is committed to staying past his 65th birthday, which will be in February 2023.

Debra Reed-Klages remarked, speaking on behalf of the board of directors,

“Waiving the mandatory retirement policy for Jim provides the Board greater flexibility with its CEO succession process,” 

“Jim has provided strong strategic and operating leadership for the company, and we look forward to his continued leadership of the Caterpillar team.”

The Caterpillar Story

Caterpillar Inc. manufactures construction and mining machines, diesel-electric locomotives, industrial gas turbines, and off-road diesel and natural gas engines. Caterpillar Inc received their expected sales and revenues of $51.0 billion in 2021.

The planet has been their priority for over a century. As a result, Caterpillar is supporting a low-carbon future for our customers. They provide their clients with unbeatable value through their worldwide dealer network and cutting-edge product development. 

Caterpillar operates on every continent in the Construction, Resource, Energy & Transportation, and Financial Products areas. 

Photo Credits: 3BL Media

Caterpillar CEO Jim Umpleby FAQs

How much does the CEO of Caterpillar make?

During his time as CAT’s Chairman and CEO, James Umpleby received $24,298,032. James Umpleby salary included bonuses of $4,792,980 on top of his $1,637,500 basic pay. Jim also has awards in stock and stock options totaling $8,749,964 in value. All in all, he also has an additional compensation amounting to $367,560.

What year did Jim Umpleby take over as CEO?

Since the first month of 2017, Jim has been serving as CEO of Caterpillar Inc. Additionally, on December 12, 2018, he was then elected chairman of the board of directors. Jim is still the current chairman and CEO of the company. Overseeing the implementation of a new corporation lies on his shoulders. He intends to increase the company’s profitability for the years to come.

What university did Jim Umpleby attend?

Terre Haute, Indiana, is home to the prestigious Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. It is founded in the year 1874. This is where Jim got his degree in mechanical engineering. The institution is notable for being one of the few undergraduate-focused engineering and technology universities in the United States.

Who is Caterpillar’s vice president?

Rob L. Hoenes currently holds the title of Senior Vice President of Resource Industries Operations & Products at Caterpillar Inc.

When was Caterpillar first founded, and by whom?

Benjamin Holt was the founder and inventor of the first track-type tractor in the era where their clients operated on horsepower. The foundation of Caterpillar was on thanksgiving day, 1904.

Is it worthwhile to work at Caterpillar?

The hiring process at Caterpillar is rigorous so obtaining employment at Caterpillar is complex. Caterpillar operates in more than 30 U.S. states, always looking to hire people with only a high school diploma or GED. If interested, visit the company’s dedicated careers website to apply for a position at Caterpillar.

Is it challenging to work with Caterpillar?

The process of getting hired at Caterpillar is a challenging one. Caterpillar is continuously looking to fill entry-level employment. Still, it would help if you meet the specific criteria and qualifying certifications to get considered. The company currently operates in over 30 locations across the United States. You may demonstrate your interest in working for the firm through Caterpillar’s specialized online application portal.