Union sorry to see JCB's top boss quit post
Matthew Taylor has confirmed he is to leave the Rocester-based company at the end of the year to "pursue other opportunities".
The 49-year-old joined the firm in 2006 and was promoted to the top management post in June last year.
He took over from former boss John Patterson, who was at the helm when JCB doubled its business.
During Mr Taylor's tenure, 1,600 jobs have been axed as the company continues to be hit by a massive downturn in the construction industry.
His exit comes less than a fortnight after JCB announced a steep fall in profits for 2008 to £39 million, compared to £187 million the previous year, as revenue declined from £2.25 billion to £2 billion.
Mr Taylor admitted at the time the company might struggle to avoid losing money in the current year.
Alan Blake, who has been a senior director with JCB for 20 years, will become the new chief executive on January 1.
GMB union convener Gordon Richardson, who represents around 4,000 workers in Staffordshire, says he is sorry to see Mr Taylor go. He said: "The relationship between the union and Mr Taylor was always very open and honest and it is a shame that he is leaving.
"His role coincided with a downturn in the industry, which he had no control over.
"We are confident the new chief executive will be here for a long time.
"His credentials are well proven within the company.
"I doubt that a change in boss will make any difference to the man on the shopfloor.
"We are hopeful there will be no further redundancies, but we can't take anything for granted."
Mr Taylor joined JCB after a career with the Ford Motor Company – including the last five years as managing director of Land Rover.
The company has not revealed what Mr Taylor's future plans are and would only say he will be pursuing a new opportunity to be announced in the New Year.
JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford said: "I want to also thank Matthew for his valuable contribution to JCB and wish him every success in the future."
Mr Taylor's departure has led to other changes at director level within the business.
Tim Burnhope, aged 44, will become group managing director for product development and commercial operations, and Graeme Macdonald, aged 41, is to be appointed group managing director, business operations.
David Bell, who is currently managing director of JCB Sales, is to be chief development officer with particular responsibility for JCB's future development in China and Brazil. David Miller remains in post as chief financial officer.
Sir Anthony said: "Tim Burnhope and Graeme Macdonald are taking on exciting new roles within the business and they will benefit greatly from the vast experience of Alan Blake, David Miller and David Bell.
"I am confident this new structure will strengthen JCB's reputation as a leading customer-focused, innovative and cost-competitive business."
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Matthew Taylor has quit as JCB chief exec.
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