COLUMBUS, Ind. – Both Jean Blackwell and Mark Gerstle have announced plans to retire from Cummins Inc. on April 1 after many years of service with the company. Effective Feb. 11, Mark Levett will assume the role of vice president of corporate responsibility and community relations and CEO of the Cummins Foundation.
“Jean and Mark have had an immeasurable impact on Cummins and were instrumental in the company’s transformation over the past 10 years,” said Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO, Cummins Inc. “Their leadership has also inspired many Cummins employees and greatly improved our communities. They have provided wise counsel to many Cummins leaders, passionately advocated for Cummins values, and consistently added insight and humor to our workplace. Along with many other Cummins people around the world, I am deeply grateful for all they have done for Cummins and for so many communities across the globe.”
Mark Gerstle started his career at Cummins in 1988 as an attorney and eventually became vice president – general counsel and corporate secretary. Gerstle went on to hold many other key business roles at Cummins including vice president – strategic initiatives; vice president – operations, filtration business unit; vice president – corporate/CBS services and corporate quality; and chief risk officer.
Most recently, he served as vice president of community affairs. He also led the effort to establish the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence and has been involved in the community through board positions for Ivy Tech Community College, the IUPUC Board of Advisors, the National Association of Manufacturers Institute, Conexus Indiana, the Columbus Economic Development Board and the IU Public Policy Institute.
Jean Blackwell joined Cummins in 1997 after a career at a law firm and in state government. Blackwell has held a number of key roles at Cummins including vice president – general counsel; vice president – human resources; vice president – Cummins business services; and executive vice president – chief financial officer.
As CFO, Blackwell helped to lead the company through several challenging periods, which included the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. Most recently, Blackwell has served as executive vice president of corporate responsibility and CEO of the Cummins Foundation, where she helped rebuild and revitalize one of the company’s most important business functions. She worked with Cummins leadership and the board of directors to establish a clear strategy and approach for corporate responsibility efforts. She has also overseen the largest increase in investment in communities around the globe.
In addition to her Cummins responsibilities, Blackwell has been very active in the community and has served on the board of directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, The Mind Trust board of directors and the Central Indiana Transit Task Force. She recently received the Sablosky Mentor Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana.
Until their retirement on April 1, Blackwell and Gerstle will work with Mark Levett in transitioning responsibilities.
“Both Jean Blackwell and Mark Gerstle have demonstrated that great business leaders make great corporate responsibility and community affairs leaders, and following that model, I am pleased that Mark Levett has agreed to take on his new role with Cummins,” said Linebarger.
Levett had early roles in finance, engineering, service, OEM sales and product management. He moved into a number of other key roles including general manager, South Pacific; vice president – industrial business; vice president – North American field and distribution; vice president – worldwide industrial business; and vice president – Asia-Pacific; and vice president – international. Since 1999, Levett has served as general manager and vice president – high horsepower. During his time, the High Horsepower business has grown global revenue by nearly 600 percent and has become one of the most profitable parts of the company.
“Mark’s experience at Cummins has provided him with a truly global view and a deep understanding of our customers and markets,” Linebarger added. “Mark’s knowledge of the Cummins business and his skill and enthusiasm for coaching and developing people will serve him well in his new role.”
