Applied Materials' Michael Splinter and labor leader Edward McElroy join Council's board

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on Competitiveness announced today that Samuel R. Allen, President & CEO of Deere & Company, has been elected Chairman by the executive committee. Allen succeeds Charles O. Holliday Jr., retired Chairman of DuPont, who will become the Council's Chairman Emeritus.

"We are thrilled to have such a highly respected business leader join the Council in its mission to ensure prosperity in America. Deere & Company has remained a model for competitiveness by working around the world to improve the productivity of its customers and the lives of the people they serve," said Council President and CEO Deborah L. Wince-Smith. "Under Mr. Allen's guidance, the Council is poised to continue its critical work maintaining and enhancing U.S. competitiveness throughout the 21st century."

Throughout his 34-year career at Deere, Samuel Allen has risen through the ranks and held various leadership positions in all divisions of the company.   He will take on the additional role as Chairman of the Board of Directors February 24. Allen has played a vital role in driving major advancements in Deere's engineering, technology and innovation capabilities.  He also managed operations in various locations worldwide.

The Council on Competitiveness' executive committee also voted Applied Materials, Inc. Chairman, President & CEO Michael R. Splinter to be Vice Chair for Industry and ULLICO Inc. Chief Executive Officer Edward J. McElroy as Labor Vice Chair. Shirley Ann Jackson, President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, will remain the University Vice Chair.

The Council on Competitiveness is a leadership organization comprised of CEOs, university presidents and labor leaders working to ensure U.S. prosperity. The Council has one goal: to strengthen America's competitive advantage by acting as a catalyst for innovative public policy solutions that address America's major competitive challenges and capitalize on its unique strengths.

SOURCE Council on Competitiveness

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