Cummins Inc. last week announced that both Jean Blackwell and Mark Gerstle will retire from the company on April 1. Mark Levett will assume the role of vice president of corporate responsibility and community relations and CEO of the Cummins Foundation, effective Feb. 11.
“Jean and Mark have had an immeasurable impact on Cummins and were instrumental in the company’s transformation over the past 10 years,” said Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO, Cummins Inc. “Their leadership has also inspired many Cummins employees and greatly improved our communities. They have provided wise counsel to many Cummins leaders, passionately advocated for Cummins values, and consistently added insight and humor to our workplace. Along with many other Cummins people around the world, I am deeply grateful for all they have done for Cummins and for so many communities across the globe.”
Gerstle started his career at Cummins in 1988 as an attorney and eventually became vice president-general counsel and corporate secretary. He went on to hold other key business roles at Cummins including vice president – strategic initiatives; vice president – operations, Filtration Business Unit; vice president – corporate/CBS Services and corporate quality; and chief risk officer.
Most recently, Gerstle served as vice president of community affairs where he worked to increase Cummins’ engagement in Columbus and the communities throughout Southern Indiana by creating and nurturing several public-private partnerships that support important education, training and mentoring initiatives.
Blackwell joined Cummins in 1997 after a career at a law firm and in state government. She has held a number of key roles at Cummins including vice president – general counsel; vice president – human resources; vice president – Cummins Business Services; and executive vice president – chief financial officer.
As CFO, Blackwell helped lead the company through several challenging periods, including the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. Most recently, she served as executive vice president of corporate responsibility and CEO of the Cummins Foundation, where she helped rebuild and reinvigorate one of the company’s most important business functions. Blackwell worked with Cummins leadership and the board of directors to establish a clear strategy and approach for corporate responsibility efforts. She has also overseen the largest increase in investment in communities around the globe.
Until their retirement on April 1, Blackwell and Gerstle will work with Mark Levett in transitioning responsibilities.
Levett had early roles in finance, engineering, service, OEM sales and product management. He moved into a number of other key roles including general manager South Pacific; vice president – industrial business; vice president – North American field and distribution; vice president – worldwide industrial business; and vice president – Asia-Pacific; and vice president - International. Since 1999, Levett has served as general manager and vice president – high horsepower.
“Mark’s experience at Cummins has provided him with a truly global view and a deep understanding of our customers and markets,” Linebarger said. “Mark’s knowledge of the Cummins business and his skill and enthusiasm for coaching and developing people will serve him well in his new role.”
Cummins Inc. is a corporation of complementary business units that design, manufacture, distribute and service engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems.
