MILWAUKEE, WI The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) electes Philip Kelliher, Vice President Americas & Europe Distribution Services Division of Caterpillar Inc., and David Thorne, Senior Vice President Worldwide Sales & Marketing, Construction & Forestry Division of Deere & Company, to the AEM CE Sector Board to fill unexpired terms.

AEM is the North American-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers, with more than 950 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related sectors worldwide.

Association officers and directors work on behalf of all member companies, giving their time and talent to provide strategic direction and guidance for Association action in areas including public policy, market data and exhibitions, as well as technical, safety and regulatory issues, and education/training.

 "AEM benefits from the support of our member companies and the leadership talents of our Board members, who are selected to reflect an industry cross-section," said AEM President Dennis Slater.

"Their dedication helps ensure Association programs continue to meet member and industry needs, and we welcome Phil's and David's knowledge and participation."

Thorne has worked for Deere since 1997, holding management, sales and marketing roles. His career includes: Director, Deere & Company Corporate Strategy in 2011, President, John Deere Water in 2012, and Director Worldwide Marketing & Support, Construction & Forestry Division in 2014 before taking his current position in 2017. 

Kelliher joined Caterpillar in 1994 and has held marketing and managerial positions. He began his career in Australia, focused on agriculture, construction and mining. He has served in Latin America and was part of the company's Global Mining Division formation. In 2015 he was named Vice President of the Americas Distribution Services Division (which soon became the Americas and Europe DSD).