JCB chief executive quits his post

THE chief executive of digger giant JCB, who has overseen one of the most turbulent periods of the firm's recent history, has quit his post.

Matthew Taylor has decided to leave JCB at the end of the year to 'pursue other opportunities to be announced in the New Year', according to a company statement.

Mr Taylor has been in the role at the firm's Rocester headquarters for 17 months after taking over from 'legendary' former boss John Patterson, who led JCB to the doubling of its business and pioneered the biggest global expansion in its history.

In his time in the role, Mr Taylor has overseen the loss of 1,600 jobs as the company was hit particularly hard by the recession.

Alan Blake will become the new chief executive on January 1, reporting to JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford. He has been a senior director with the company for 20 years.

The departure of Mr Taylor has led to host of other changes at director-level within the business.

Sir Anthony Bamford said: "I am confident this new structure will strengthen JCB's reputation as a leading customer-focused, innovative and cost-competitive business.

"I want to also thank Matthew for his valuable contribution to JCB and wish him every success in the future."