AGCO Corporation has appointed Richard Markwell as Vice President and Managing Director for its Massey Ferguson operations in Europe, Africa and Middle East (EAME).
Based in the UK at Coventry, Richard Markwell will be responsible for all Massey Ferguson-related operations throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Prior to his new appointment, he was Vice President Customer Support, EAME with responsibility for Parts and Service across all AGCO brands.
Massey Ferguson's machinery sales approach 50% of AGCO's $5.3 billion global turnover.
British-born Mr. Markwell joined Massey Ferguson in 1975. With widespread international experience, he has held a variety of senior European sales and marketing positions with AGCO including a ten-year period in France. He speaks both French and German.
Richard Markwell commented,
"It's a good time to be part of Massey Ferguson. With all the latest new product introductions, MF has its best model line-up ever. In the last two years, the MF brand has won more awards than any other tractor make and is achieving growing market share in every region of the world. I'm joining a strong team. The depth and breadth of the current MF line-up demonstrates that we are responding strongly to the varying needs of both developed and developing markets."
" Massey Ferguson has and will continue to launch new products across every sector to give farmers the tools they need to meet ever challenging conditions."
He continued,
"There is also good news on MF harvesting equipment with increased sales and positive customer feedback. We had a tremendous 2005 harvest in Europe with the Activa, Beta and CEREA combine ranges, while the Brazilian-built models are proving themselves in Africa and Middle East territories. The restructuring at the Randers plant in Denmark has provided a big boost to the CEREA range and production is scheduled to increase significantly in 2006. "
"Backed by industry-leading after-sales support, and continuing investment in product development we will be seeking to further grow our market share in all sectors," he said.
Richard Markwell replaces Steve Wood, who has decided to retire early to take up other interests. Gary Collar, Senior Vice President General Manager for AGCO EAME said,
"Everybody who has met Steve Wood will know the qualities and commitment he brought to the role and the significant contribution he made to the total re-birth of the MF brand. He has set a strong foundation upon which the MF team can base further growth and development. He will be missed in the AGCO organization worldwide."
He continued,
" It says much for the breadth of talent that exists within AGCO that Richard Markwell is taking the lead role in the next stage of developing Massey Ferguson's further growth in EAME. Richard has many years international experience within AGCO and specifically with the Massey Ferguson brand. He is clearly the right man to take the brand forward".
Steve Clarke, currently Director Sales and Marketing for AGCO Parts EAME, has been appointed to Richard Markwell's previous position of Vice President, Customer Support for AGCO EAME.
"I'm looking forward to continuing the good work already achieved in Customer Support," he commented. "The development of a sound strategy and of a customer first culture which leads to increased responsiveness within AGCO and its distribution network is at the heart of our work to achieve the highest levels of customer service in the farm machinery industry."
