Lake Forest, Ill.-based CNH Global N.V. last week announced appointments designed to further strengthen its leadership team. Rubin McDougal was appointed chief financial officer effective Oct. 13. McDougal brings more than 20 years experience in finance, strategic planning and business development, which he acquired working in North America, Europe and Asia for Whirlpool Corp.

McDougal will take over from Michel Lecomte, who has been the chief financial officer of CNH since 2000. Lecomte will now assume an operational role as president of Parts and Services for the whole of CNH, taking over the position previously held by Jim Sharp, who leaves the company to pursue other interests.

Randal Wayne Baker, the senior vice president for Logistics and Supply Chain since October 2005, has been appointed president of the Case IH brand. Baker replaces Mario Ferla, who leaves the company after five years of service to pursue other interests. In the interim, Baker will retain his previous Logistics and Supply Chain responsibilities.

"Consistent with our clearly defined strategy, we are resolute about achieving our company's targets according to the timetable we have set that will allow us to be a best-in-class industry leader," said CNH president and CEO Harold Boyanovsky. "Key to obtaining such results is a strong leadership team. The appointments we announced today are consistent with our strategy to target the best talent, focusing both externally and internally."

CNH Global N.V. is an international provider of agricultural and construction equipment supported by more than 11,000 dealers in 160 countries.