Trimble's Leadership Transition: A New Era Begins with Strategic Changes

On August 18, 2025, Trimble, a prominent technology firm listed on Nasdaq (TRMB), made an important announcement regarding its executive leadership. Julie Shepard, the Chief Accounting Officer (CAO), is set to retire early in 2026 after an impressive tenure of over 18 years. To succeed her, Kenny Bement has been appointed as the new CAO, effective September 2025.

A Smooth Transition Ahead

In light of this change, a collaborative effort will be initiated between Julie and Kenny over the next six to eight months. They aim to ensure a seamless transition during this critical period. Additionally, Julie will assist in facilitating the auditor transition process for Trimble's financial statements for the 2025 fiscal year, ensuring continuity and compliance during this pivotal change.

Kenny Bement: A Wealth of Experience

Kenny Bement brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having amassed over twenty years in the finance sector. His diverse background includes roles in financial reporting, compliance, and operational excellence. Kenny began his career in auditing and subsequently contributed to the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), where he played a key role as the primary author of the ASC 606 revenue recognition standard. His leadership experience as a CAO spans roles at various companies, including Conservice, Vista Outdoor, Ancestry, and Gopuff. He also held senior positions at tech giants Alphabet and Raytheon, providing him with a solid foundation to lead Trimble’s financial department.

Welcome Jim Palermo as Chief Information Officer

In addition to Bement's appointment, Trimble has introduced a new executive role by hiring Jim Palermo as the Chief Information Officer (CIO). This newly created position highlights the company's commitment to enhancing its Information Technology (IT) infrastructure as it advances toward its Connect and Scale digital transformation strategy. Jim brings over twenty years of IT leadership experience, having most recently served as the CIO for Red Hat. His previous roles at Cisco and Nortel further enrich his expertise in managing large global teams and leading transformative SaaS business models.

Gratitude for Julie Shepard’s Contributions

Phil Sawarynski, Trimble's Chief Financial Officer, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Julie Shepard for her significant contributions throughout her impressive career at the company. Julie’s leadership has had a lasting impact, particularly in regard to the company’s shift from perpetual to subscription-based licensing models. As she transitions out of her role, the team looks forward to building on the solid foundation she helped establish.

Looking Ahead: Trimble's Future

As Trimble navigates through this critical leadership transition, the focus remains on simplifying operations and enhancing the company's strategic direction. The integration of Kenny Bement and Jim Palermo into the leadership team represents a pivotal step in Trimble's journey toward further innovation and excellence. The company, known for its efforts to connect the physical and digital worlds through cutting-edge technology, is poised to continue making significant contributions across several industries, including construction, geospatial, and transportation.

This transition marks the beginning of a new era for Trimble as it seeks to maintain its position at the forefront of technological innovation and drive increased productivity in essential sectors worldwide. For more details on Trimble’s ongoing projects and solutions, visit www.trimble.com.