Robert Lane ploughs new ground

Robert Lane ploughs new ground

McClenahen J.S., Lane R. Industry Week, January 2006,Vol. 255 No. 1, Start page: 30, No of pages: 4

Purpose – To present an interview with Robert Lane, chairman and CEO of agricultural machinery and equipment giant Deere & Co. Design/methodology/approach – Explores Lanes’ claim that Deere’s products continue to stand alone in productivity, innovation and value, and his commitment to running a smarter, faster and leaner business. Relates Lane’s views on Deere’s recent business performance which reflects his ability to conceive, communicate and execute new ideas that could take the company to a higher level. Examines Lane’s philosophy that in order to sustain top results, anything that is not contributing to them has to be discontinued, and that every single product line has to carry its weight. Describes the remuneration scheme in operation at Deere whereby annual bonuses for salaried workers are linked to operating return on operating assets and return on equity. Emphasizes Lane’s insistence that Deere is not a family, rather it is a high-performance team; looks at his plans for global expansion; and at his determination to deliver to customers tools that will improve their productivity. Originality/value – Offers an insight into the personality,philosophy and business strategy of the chairman and CEO of one of the world’s biggest suppliers of agricultural machinery and equipment.ISSN: 0039-0895Reference:35AE188

Keywords: Agricultural equipment, Business development, Business improvement, Deere & Co