Here is my view of the worst performers in CLT. Most people who have been around CMI will know these folks. As CMI begins, is week of layoff’s lot of these folk’s bear some responsibility and taking them out can save some $$. I always felt one of the biggest knock against CMI is that they cut less at top SG 11 and above. I worked for CMI for over 12 years and moved out to another opportunity few years back. In my last role at CMI; I was a senior leader (SG12).
Peter Anderson: The newest member of CLT and probably the worst senior hire in history of CMI. Again, I will talk about Tom later; this probably is another data point in my view that Tom is the worst judge of Talent and people. Peter Anderson is trying a few new things but most of his strategy as it evolves will prove to be a disaster. I hope the board measures all the promises when he came in on cost reduction, inventory etc. Most of the senior leaders in manufacturing and supply chain are deserting him. Few BU’s have resisted and blocked him from driving the change within their areas (ES, EBU).
Thad (does not do any work) Ewald: Another example of poor talent recognition by Tom. I am surprised this nut job has survived so far with the foul mouth that he is. You cannot get a sentence from him without hearing some form of expletive (wonder why ethics line does not work for him). He has an outsized ego and thinks he is god’s given gift to CMI after Clessie Cummins. He is equally responsible for not moving CMI fast enough (along with Tom) to adopt new technologies. Only when the board lit the fire few years back is when you saw him jump on acquisition mode and he has done a bunch of small no impact calls that will eventually prove to be cash drains without any meaningful capability additions to CMI. Enough Said.
Jill Cook: Nothing here beyond that she has outlived her time and contributions to CMI. She needs to move on and hand over the reins to next Gen (Osowick). Go tend to horses etc
There is lot of chatter on how bad CMI is. I can tell you that the no company is perfect. CMI has its issues. The positives are it is very nice to employees. Still provides great experience and training in leadership that no new emerging tech company like Google, facebook etc can ever provide. Those of you who are getting impacted this will be tough but stay positive and focus on what you can control. Get on linkedin, reach out to your network and be willing/open to try new things. Good luck. I will post an email later if any of you need any networking help confidentially.