News Releases April 18, 2019
Deere names five employees as John Deere Fellows
MOLINE, Illinois (April 18, 2019) – Five Deere & Company employees have earned designation as a John Deere Fellow - the highest individual honor bestowed by the company. The Fellows program recognizes employees for deep expertise, demonstrated leadership, and reputation inside and outside the company.
"This year's John Deere Fellows represent a wide range of experts who are recognized by their peers for innovation and leadership. Their work greatly benefits our customers and their fellow employees," said Samuel R. Allen, chairman and CEO.
The John Deere Fellows program is in its fifth year and now will include 26 Fellows and 2 Senior Fellows. Honored for 2019 are Dr. Noel Anderson, August Altherr, Dr. Martin Kremmer, Carol Lewis, and Dr. Adrian Rantilla.
- Dr. Noel Anderson - Strategic Intellectual Property Fellow
Anderson has 116 patents to his credit and is one of John Deere's most prolific inventors. Anderson provides Deere with a distinctive competitive advantage by bringing together diverse and emerging areas of technical expertise into invention disclosures and patents. He has played a key role in the development, deployment, execution, and continuous improvement of the John Deere Enterprise Intellectual Property Strategy Process.
- August Altherr - Innovation Delivery Fellow
Altherr is a key driver of European innovation in agriculture equipment and has numerous patents to his credit. His work evolved into the 6R Series, considered as one of Deere's most successful tractor platforms and which is now assembled in five locations globally. Altherr helped establish think tanks of young engineers from top European universities to find innovative solutions for contractors and large arable farms, and key customer segments.
- Dr. Martin Kremmer - Technology Innovation Fellow
Dr. Kremmer is known for expanding the method for studying granular media in complex, moving 3D geometries and conducting fundamental studies on agricultural goods such as soybeans in mechanical meters of precision planters. He is named author or co-author in 40 invention disclosure and patent applications. Dr. Kremmer has been responsible for the overall vehicle concept design of all mid-sized tractors.
- Carol Lewis - Human Resource Fellow
Lewis is a respected voice in employee benefits. Her efforts include working in Washington, D.C. on legislation or regulatory changes, educating employees on health care benefits, updating senior leadership on employee pension and post-retirement benefits, negotiating lower health care solutions, meeting with retirees, and mentoring employees. She was instrumental in deployment of a company-wide wellness program, navigating health care reform, and other benefit-related activities. - Dr. Adrian Rantilla - Market Research Fellow
Dr. Rantilla has earned a reputation for applying research and analytics in sales and marketing. His insight and diligence has reduced costs in multiple programs through understanding customer motivations and behaviors. He is known for developing and cultivating strategic customer advisory relationships around the globe, adding value by focusing on how to solve the most challenging business problems.
About John Deere:
Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, golf & turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what's possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products including the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor and See & Spray™ are just two of the ways we help meet the world's increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial. For more information, visit John Deere at its worldwide website at JohnDeere.com or in New Zealand at JohnDeere.co.nz.
