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JCB’s Lord Bamford names heir to global OEM
18 May 2026
In an interview with The Telegraph newspaper, Lord Bamford, chairman of JCB, has named his younger son as heir to the business, instead of his elder son and presumed heir.
The JCB 3CX Hydrogen backhoe loader
In an interview with the UK’s The Telegraph newspaper, Lord Bamford said that his third child, George, would take over from him as head of the global equipment manufacturer rather than elder son Joseph, also known as Jo.
The Telegraph reports that Lord Bamford said, “In terms of us remaining a family business, that is very important, and we do have plans.
“I’m very lucky and highly privileged to be in charge of this business at the moment. I don’t intend to be forever. I am 80, for heaven’s sake.” Asked directly who would step into his shoes, he replied: “It will be George.”
Jo Bamford joined the family firm in 2004, was appointed to the board in 2006 and rose through a succession of senior roles. He founded the hydrogen fuel firm Ryze Power and also owns the zero-emission bus manufacturer Wrightbus.
It is understood that George has been installed as deputy chairman of JCB. He was the creator of the Bamford Watch Department business.
In the latest Yellow Table, International Construction’s ranking of the world’s biggest OEMs by sales, JCB was in ninth position.
JCB was approached for comment but said that they were not adding any comment to what The Telegraph has already reported.
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