As part of a long-term strategy for global growth, JCB last week appointed its first chief operating officer. JCB appointed Matthew Taylor COO in addition to his current role as managing director, JCB Sales. He will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of JBC worldwide except for North and South America.

JCB’s North and South American operations will merge and come under the responsibility of Graeme Macdonald, who was named president JCB Inc. – The Americas, based in Savannah, Ga.

Taylor and Macdonald will report to John Patterson, managing director and CEO of JCB. Macdonald will now devote more time to developing the group’s strategy in the Americas and Asia with the aim of achieving JCB’s goals for long-term growth. JCB’s five-year plan is to almost double revenue to $4.5 billion.

Patterson, who will also become chairman of JCB, said: “In the last five years, we have become a truly global company and these management changes will ensure JCB achieves its ambitious long-term goals.”

The changes will be effective Jan. 1, 2007.