Marty Haycraft, Caterpillar Inc. senior vice president and Progress Rail CEO, has announced his intentions to retire at the end of this calendar year.
Haycraft, who holds 29 years of service with Caterpillar, began his professional career in 1990 with Wheel Corporation of America as a production employee. He would be promoted to vice president and chief marketing officer of the business in 2009.
He joined Albertville-based Progress Rail in 1993 when Corbin Railway Services purchased Steel Processing Services, later to become Progress Rail. Haycraft ascended through the company’s ranks, serving in multiple leadership positions throughout his tenure.
Haycraft was named vice president of sales and marketing for the locomotive and railcar services business in March 2002. He was promoted to vice president and chief marketing officer of the business.
In 2011, Haycraft was promoted to senior vice president, and in 2018, with expanded responsibilities internationally, was named executive vice president of rolling stock. He transitioned into his current role as president and chief executive officer of Progress Rail in 2019.
Haycraft boasts “an accomplished career” and “has much to be proud of and celebrate,” according to Caterpillar Energy & Transportation Group President Joe Creed.
“This includes the tremendous strides he and his team have made in support of our locomotive emissions reduction technologies and new offerings to help customers achieve their climate-related objectives,” said Creed. “Marty has led his teams with integrity and heart, and his guidance and friendship will be missed.”
John Newman has accepted the position of senior vice president of Caterpillar Inc. and president and CEO of Progress Rail. He currently serves as Progress Rail’s executive vice president of infrastructure.
Newman joined Caterpillar in 2011 as an attorney with the Legal Services Division, providing support to Progress Rail.
After joining the commercial team in 2012, Newman served as regional director of Sub-Saharan Africa, based in Pretoria, South Africa, and as the company’s strategic sales director.
Newman was promoted to senior vice president of corporate services in 2015, where he exercised responsibility for various administrative functions, as well as strategic growth, including mergers and acquisitions.
Prior to beginning his career with Caterpillar, Newman gained domestic and international experience working in the pharmaceutical, technology and textile industries before deciding to study law.
After law school, Newman practiced at Burr & Forman LLP, where he focused on business planning, mergers and acquisitions, economic development, and antitrust-related matters
Newman’s extensive professional experience and tenure with Caterpillar will serve him well as president and CEO of the company, according to Creed.
“Rail is a rapidly evolving industry, and John’s experience and expertise will serve him well as he leads the team into the future,” he said. “I look forward to working with John and his team as we continue to support our customers in the future.”
Dylan Smith is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
