People on the move: Caterpillar; IronCraft

Caterpillar, Irving, Texas: Suzette Long, chief legal officer and general counsel, will retire on Dec. 31, 2023, following an 18-year career at the company. Derek Owens, who currently serves as vice president and deputy general counsel, will assume the role of senior vice president and general counsel on July 1, 2023. Following a period of transition, he will become chief legal officer and general counsel effective Jan. 1, 2024. 

“Suzette has been a trusted advisor, strategic business partner and an invaluable colleague to our executive office,” said Jim Umpleby, Caterpillar chairman and CEO. “She strengthened the legal function while supporting the execution of our strategy for profitable growth and helped lead Caterpillar through complex matters while reinforcing our commitment to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world.” 

Owens joined Caterpillar in 2019 as associate general counsel, litigation and investigations, after 15 years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Department of Justice where he last served as a deputy chief.  

IronCraft, Athens, Tenn.: Chris Haefer has been named Pacific Northwest territory manager. He will be responsible for growing and managing the company’s sales through their construction and agriculture dealer network in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. He has worked in sales and sales management in various areas of agriculture and construction and will work from his home office in Pasco, Wash.