Jon Huntsman elected to Caterpillar Board

Jon M. Huntsman Jr. has been elected to the Caterpillar Board of Directors. The 51-year old has wide experience as a politician, diplomat and businessman.

Mr Huntsman is the former US Ambassador to China (2009-2011). Other diplomatic roles include an appointment as the US Ambassador to Singapore (1992-1993) and service as the US Trade Ambassador (2001-2003). He continues to serve on the US national Committee on US-China Relations.

As a politician he served as governor of Utah from and the former governor of Utah 2005 - 2009, and also stood as a candidate in the early stages of the US Republican party primaries to select a presidential candidate for this November's elections.

In business, Mr Huntsman has served as CEO of chemical company, the Huntsman Corporation, which was founded by his father Jon Huntsman Snr. in 1970. He is also a director of the Ford Motor Company.

Caterpillar chairman and CEO Doug Oberhelman said, "With his extensive global experience in the business world and as a senior statesman for the United States, Jon brings a unique global perspective and experience to our board that will provide strategic guidance on critical trade and policy issues that are important to Caterpillar."