"It is not the strongest who survive, nor the smartest, but those most responsive to change," says Beyers. "For more than 180 years, John Deere has benefited from strong, decisive leaders who are dedicated to the company's core values and I intend on ensuring our values remain active and relevant."

According to Jason Brantley, director for Region 1 A&T sales and marketing at John Deere, Beyers and the Africa-Middle East team will support dealers in growing customer productivity and profitability by leveraging the John Deere smart industrial strategy.

Smart industrial focuses on both technology and equipment to help customers unlock profit at all levels of mechanisation.

"John Deere has been doing business in Africa for over 140 years and we are committed to the region. We are excited about the growing trends of mechanisation and technology adoption that we are seeing in Africa and the Middle East; more and more customers are experiencing the John Deere Edge in terms of value, reliability, dealer support and productivity that helps customers profitably grow their businesses," says Brantley.

As part of the John Deere redesign, Beyers will lead the company forward in the implementation, integration and expansion of the agricultural, construction and forestry division into the Ag and Turf channel for the African continent.

In addition, he will drive forward the company's continued efforts to build a strong dealership network for agricultural and turf equipment into North Africa and the Middle East, as well as further integrate and support C&F dealers, says the company.

Beyers joined the company in 2004 as a trainee territory manager in South Africa and later went on to hold the position of divisional sales manager in Central Africa, where he began developing new business models for smallholders and government customers.

He did this while setting up the present sales presence in East and West Africa. Beyers then went on to hold a series of international roles including strategic planning manager for Region 1, based in Singapore, and global large tractor project management in the United States.

He also played a key role in implementing agile methods into several areas of the business. Beyer's experience in global markets plus his commitment to John Deere customers, dealers and staff has prepared him for this new role, says the company.

"I am all about promoting a healthy working environment, together with a productive culture and a can-do attitude," says Beyers. "Camaraderie is the name of the game; we might face challenges but with the right team, we will always find a solution using our core beliefs and integrity as guiding principles."

"How we do business is critical to our continued success," concludes Beyers.

For more information, visit www.deere.com. You can also follow John Deere on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.