Episode 76: Glen A. Barton

Host Ed Sutkowski interviews the CEOs of Caterpillar Inc. who led the company out of its most difficult financial years to help it become one of the most successful companies in the world. In this episode, Ed talks with Glen Barton, Chairman and CEO from 1999-2004.

Born in Alton, Missouri, Glen remembers riding a tractor at age 5 and dreaming of machines and construction equipment. He served as Caterpillar Inc.'s CEO and Chair from 1999 to 2004. A Civil Engineering Degree from the University of Missouri was followed by a certificate from the Stanford University Executive Program.

During the period Caterpillar experienced a weakened demand for its products, Glen redirected Cat's initiatives and focused on production of machines for construction, electric power generation, electronics, energy, financing, forestry, logistics, mining and transportation. At the close of his term, Caterpillar products were manufactured in 50 U.S.-based facilities and 65 world-wide facilities.

Glen orchestrated Caterpillar's emphasis on Six Sigma - a discipline, data-driven approach to process improvement aimed at the near elimination of defects from every product, process and transaction.

Among his many appointments, Glen has served as a director of Firefly Energy, Inc., founder of Peoria NEXT, Trustee of Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award Foundation, and on the University of Missouri-Columbia Dean's Engineering Advisory Council, Illinois Business Roundtable, President's Export Council, Civic Federation, Bradley University Board of Trustees, and Tri-County Venture Capital Fund.