Caterpillar names new leader for its mining business

Caterpillar Inc. has announced Denise Johnson, group president of Resource Industries, has elected to retire effective Feb. 1, 2027. As a result, Derrick York, who currently serves as president of Solar Turbines and Caterpillar senior vice president, has been appointed group president of Resource Industries, effective Nov. 1, 2026. At that time, Johnson will assume an advisory role to ensure a seamless leadership transition.

Derrick York. (Photo: Caterpillar)

Since 2023, York has led the global business unit that provides industrial gas turbines and compressors for oil & gas and power generation applications. In his 16 years with the company, he has also served as senior vice president of Caterpillar’s Oil & Gas and Marine division and held leadership roles in finance and corporate development. Earlier in his career, York worked in banking and public accounting.

“Derrick is a highly respected leader who understands our customers, our strategy and the industries we serve,” said Joe Creed, Caterpillar chairman and CEO. “He is well positioned to lead the team into its next chapter of innovation, growth and customer success.”

Since joining Caterpillar in 2011, Johnson has transformed Caterpillar’s mining business and advanced the industry, championing technologies that define the modern mine site. She assumed leadership of Resource Industries in 2016 during a historic mining downturn. Her leadership strengthened operations and the portfolio while maintaining a clear focus on long-term growth, returning the segment to profitability and ultimately delivering its strongest financial performance in more than a decade.

Denise Johnson (Photo: Caterpillar)

“Denise took on a critical role during one of the mining industry’s most challenging times,” said Joe Creed, Caterpillar chairman and CEO. “Her disciplined leadership restored Resource Industries to profitability and positioned Caterpillar as an industry leader in mining autonomy and technology. We are deeply grateful for all she has done to strengthen our relationships with customers, develop our people and shape the future of our company. Her impact and influence will be remembered long after her retirement.”

Throughout her career, Johnson has been a respected voice across the mining, manufacturing and engineering communities, serving on numerous industry and academic boards and helping advance the future of mining worldwide.

York has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in business administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

“The greatest accomplishment of any leader is leaving an organization better positioned for the future. I’m proud of the foundation we’ve built, the people we’ve developed and the enduring impact this team will continue to make,” said Johnson. “Derrick is the right leader to build on that foundation and move Resource Industries forward.”