Past Leaders

Eight great leaders, same core values

John Deere has been very fortunate to have great leaders at the helm. In fact, since its founding in 1837, there have been only eight previous captains of the Deere enterprise. Most have been Deere family members. And, although the past few leaders have not been part of the Deere lineage, John Deere remains a family-oriented company determined to uphold the founder’s core values of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation.

These eight leaders navigated the company through prosperous times, through difficult times. And always with an eye on helping customers, employees, dealers, investors, partners, communities, and nations develop, improve, and benefit through their relationships with John Deere. Perhaps that why John Deere is the company so many trust today.

Past Leader Biographies

John Deere

John Deere

Founder and President
1837-1886

Charles Deere

Charles Deere

President
1886-1907

William Butterworth

William Butterworth

President
1907-1928
Chairman
1928-1936

Charles Deere Wiman

Charles Deere Wiman

President
1928-1955

William Hewitt

William Hewitt

President
1955-1964
Chairman
1964-1982

Robert Hanson

Robert Hanson

Chairman and CEO
1982-1990

Hans Becherer

Hans Becherer

Chairman and CEO
1990-2000

Robert W. Lane

Robert W. Lane

Chairman and CEO
2000-2009