Michael Mack Jr., the new president of John Deere’s Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division, will take the reins from Samuel Allen when he steps up as Deere & Co. CEO in August. Mack has prepared for this leadership position through a variety of assignments at Deere in finance, engineering, marketing and operations.

“I am fortunate to be joining a close-knit team that has a strong focus on execution,” Mack said. “My preliminary focus is to build upon the strong foundation that has been established in many areas and position Deere to make the most of the long-term potential of this division.”

Mack had been senior vice president and chief financial officer of Deere & Company since January 2006. Mack served previously in the finance division as vice president and treasurer, and in the company’s Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Division as senior vice president, marketing and administration.

He has also held other positions in a wide range of Deere disciplines in North America and Europe, including treasury, dealer systems, business development, purchasing and manufacturing. A registered professional engineer, Mack holds master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and in business administration. His career began as a summer intern engineer at Deere’s Des Moines Works.

Mack replaces Samuel Allen, who is the first president of Deere’s Construction & Forestry division to be elected to the position of CEO at Deere & Company in the company’s 172-year history.

Headquartered in Moline, Ill., John Deere is a world leader in providing advanced products and services for agriculture, forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment.