Deere & Company (NYSE: DE) has announced that Kellye Walker, a former executive at Eastman Chemical Company, will be joining its leadership team as the senior vice president, chief legal officer, and worldwide public affairs officer, effective April 29.
In her new capacity, Walker will be taking over from Mary Jones, who has declared her intention to retire later this year. She will assume the role of chief legal officer and will be responsible for the executive management of the global law and patent departments, as well as overseeing the company’s public affairs and environmental health and safety functions.
Walker brings with her over 25 years of senior executive experience. During her tenure as the executive vice president at Eastman Chemical Company, she held comprehensive leadership responsibilities for the legal organization, encompassing corporate governance, compliance, intellectual property, litigation, government affairs, product stewardship, regulatory affairs, global business conduct, and the company’s global health, safety, and environment departments.
Prior to her time at Eastman Chemical Company, Walker served as the executive vice president and chief legal officer for Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc., a prominent global engineering and defense technology provider and the largest military shipbuilder in America. Additionally, she has held positions such as chief administrative officer at American Water Works Co., senior vice president and general counsel for Diageo North America, and senior vice president, general counsel, and secretary for BJ’s Wholesale Club. Furthermore, she has worked as a corporate partner at major law firms in Boston and New Orleans.
John May, chairman and CEO of Deere & Company, expressed confidence in Walker’s capabilities, stating, “Over the course of her career, Kellye has compiled an impressive record of experience and achievement.” He highlighted her exceptional strategic leadership, problem-solving skills, and proven ability to deliver results in dynamic environments. May emphasized that Walker’s expertise will greatly benefit the company as it continues to innovate and provide groundbreaking products, services, and outcomes for its agricultural, construction, and forestry customers worldwide.
