Caterpillar Inc. announced that officer changes to further support execution of the enterprise strategy, including an emphasis on the company's focus on services. All changes are effective May 1, 2019. Tom Bluth, currently vice president of the Innovation & Technology Development Division (ITDD), will transition to vice president of Legal Aftermarket Support. This new role leads the legal teams responsible for intellectual property protection & enforcement as well as the legal purchasing center of excellence. Karl Weiss, currently vice president of the Material Handling & Underground Division (MH&U), will now lead ITDD and serve as Chief Technology Officer for the company. The company board of directors has also appointed Rob Hoenes, to succeed Weiss as vice president of MH&U. Hoenes is currently part of the Earthmoving Division, serving as worldwide product manager for the medium track-type tractor product group.