Former EY U.S. CEO Julie Boland Joins Deere & Company Board of Directors, Bringing Expertise
Moline, Illinois – In a significant move to bolster its governance and financial capabilities, Deere & Company announced the appointment of Julie Boland to its Board of Directors. Boland, who previously served as the U.S. chief executive officer and managing partner at Ernst & Young (EY), brings a wealth of experience in executive leadership, corporate governance, and financial oversight to her new role at Deere.
John C. May, the chairman and CEO of Deere & Company, expressed enthusiasm over Boland's appointment, stating, "Julie's proven leadership, financial acumen, and governance expertise make her a strong addition to our board." May underscored the importance of her extensive track record in managing a complex global organization, particularly as Deere strives to implement its strategic objectives and drive long-term growth while delivering enhanced value to its customers and shareholders.
Boland held pivotal roles at EY from 2022 to 2026, marking her tenure with the firm with various leadership positions, including vice chair and managing partner for the Central Region, as well as managing partner for the Cleveland office. Her career at EY spanned over 16 years, during which she honed her skills in several critical areas, including financial reporting, corporate governance, and global finance.
Prior to her tenure at EY, Boland also served as the chief financial officer at numerous public and private firms. She garnered further experience in the finance sector through her investment banking roles at JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Goldman Sachs, working across major cities like New York, Chicago, and London. Her multifaceted career has equipped her with expertise in enterprise strategy, risk management, capital allocation, and international banking, positioning her well to contribute to Deere’s board.
With Boland’s addition, Deere’s board is now expanded from 10 to 11 members, incorporating 10 independent, non-employee directors. This expansion reflects Deere's commitment to enhancing diverse perspectives and expertise within its leadership structure.
Founded nearly two centuries ago, Deere & Company has become a global leader in the markets of agriculture, construction, forestry, and more. Its legacy, which began with the creation of the steel plow, continues to focus on driving innovation across various sectors to support the production of food, fiber, and fuel for a growing global population.
In appointment responses, Boland remarked, "I am thrilled to join Deere's board and eager to contribute to its mission and strategic objectives. I look forward to working collaboratively with such talented professionals to enhance the company’s growth trajectory."
As corporations increasingly recognize the importance of strong governance and diverse professional backgrounds in their leadership structures, Boland’s appointment serves as a testament to Deere’s commitment to integrating expert insights into its operational and strategic vision. Her diverse experience is expected to help steer Deere through its next phases of growth and innovation, ensuring that it continues to meet the dynamic needs of its stakeholders and the environments in which it operates.
Deere & Company continues to innovate across multiple sectors, maintaining a significant impact on global markets and solidifying its place as a leader in agricultural and industrial solutions. Boland’s leadership is poised to play a crucial role in advancing these objectives as she steps into her new position on the board.