COLUMBUS, Ind. — Columbus-based Cummins, Inc. announced Thursday that Jennifer Rumsey is taking over as President and Chief Executive Officer, replacing Tom Linebarger, who is stepping down from his CEO role.
The Columbus native and Purdue graduate will take over for Linebarger Aug. 1.
Rumsey, who is currently serving as President and Chief Operating Officer, will be the seventh CEO and first woman to lead the company since it was founded in 1919. Linebarger will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors and in an Executive Chairman role, according to a news release.
He will work directly with Rumsey on specific initiatives, including the pending acquisition of Meritor.
“Jen is a once in a generation talent and the right leader for Cummins at this important time in our history,” Linebarger said in a news release. “She has been my partner in developing the Destination Zero strategy, which sets forth how the decarbonization of our industry will be a significant growth opportunity for Cummins. Her background as an engineer and technology expertise provides her a deep understanding of the major technical changes taking place and how to capitalize on them."
Linebarger spent the last 15 years serving Cummins in the COO role and then as CEO.
Rumsey took on the role of COO in March 2021 and has overseen Cummins’ global operations. In February 2022, she was elected to the Cummins Board of Directors, and she will maintain her seat on the board.
“I am honored and proud to be appointed the next CEO of Cummins and excited about what the future holds for the company,” Rumsey said. “Growing up in Columbus, Indiana, where Cummins was founded, and spending most of my career here makes this announcement incredibly meaningful. I am grateful to Tom for his support and mentorship over the years and to the Board for their confidence in my leadership."
Rumsey earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering at Purdue and a master's from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She began her Cummins career working in research and technology, primarily focused on reducing pollutants from diesel engines. She has help leadership roles as President of Components and Chief Technical Officer.