Inside the mind of a Global CEO: an interview with Caterpillar CEO Douglas R. Oberhleman

Abstract

This special issue of strategies for emerging markets starts with a powerful interview with the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Caterpillar. Caterpillar is viewed by many analysts as a barometer of the health of the global economy. This interview, which was conducted with CEO Oberhelman, provides insights into how emerging markets may develop in the future. His responses are important because he can tell us how to do business in fully developing markets (e.g., BRIC) and also in developing markets of the future. He discusses not only what markets are emerging but also, more importantly, how and why firms should conduct business in these emerging markets. The person who conducted the interview was Michael Pettus, an Associate Professor of Management at the Tabor School of Business at the Millikin University.