Caterpillar Inc. has announced officer changes to further support execution of the company’s enterprise strategy, including an emphasis on services. 

Tom Bluth, current vice president of Caterpillar’s Innovation & Technology Development Division, will transition to vice president of Legal Aftermarket Support. This new role leads the legal teams responsible for intellectual property protection and enforcement as well as the legal purchasing center of excellence. Bluth joined the company as an attorney 24 years ago, has extensive global product development and operations knowledge and has served as the company’s chief technology officer (CTO) since 2017.

Karl Weiss, current vice president of Caterpillar’s Material Handling & Underground Division, will now lead the company’s Innovation & Technology Development Division and will serve as CTO. Weiss has 30 years of experience in various roles around the world. He brings deep product development experience, an intense focus on customers and relationship-building, and overall process excellence to the CTO role. Weiss previously served as vice president for the Earthmoving Division. 

Rob Hoenes, current product manager within Caterpillar’s Earthmoving Division, has been appointed vice president of the Material Handling & Underground Division, succeeding Weiss. Hoenes began his career as an engineer and quickly gained increasing responsibility in sales, product development and dealer and customer interface. Hoenes has a deep understanding of markets through commercial experiences in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

All changes are effective May 1.