Josh Jepsen, who has served as chief financial officer of Deere & Company for nearly 18 years, will step down from his role on February 19, 2026, and will begin as finance chief of Honeywell’s newly‑formed aerospace and defense spinoff on February 23, 2026. The move was announced on January 23, 2026, and marks a significant leadership transition for Deere as it navigates a challenging operating environment.
Ryan D. Campbell, who previously served as Deere’s CFO from March 2019 to May 2022 and has led the Worldwide Construction & Forestry and Power Systems divisions since May 2022, will assume the CFO role on an interim basis effective February 19. Campbell’s appointment is intended to provide continuity while Deere searches for a permanent replacement.
Deere’s financial outlook for fiscal 2026 reflects a cautious stance amid tariff headwinds and a projected downturn in the large‑agriculture segment. Management guided net income to $4.0 billion–$4.75 billion, below analyst consensus of $5.33 billion, and forecast a 15%–20% decline in U.S. and Canadian large‑ag sales. The company’s guidance signals concern about margin pressure from a $1.2 billion projected tariff impact for FY 2026 and a broader cycle‑related slowdown in the agriculture market.
Honeywell’s spinoff will become one of the largest publicly traded pure‑play aerospace and defense companies, with 2024 sales exceeding $15 billion. The separation is intended to sharpen strategic focus and unlock value by allowing the new entity to pursue growth in high‑margin aerospace and defense technologies independently of Honeywell’s broader industrial portfolio.
Jim Currier, CEO of Honeywell Aerospace, said the appointments “position Honeywell Aerospace for long‑term success as we advance toward launching an independent company that will play a vital role in the aerospace and defense industry.” Currier highlighted the leadership team’s operational experience and customer focus as key to driving continued growth in the new pure‑play business.
The CFO transition at Deere underscores the company’s need to maintain financial discipline while investing in precision agriculture and automation. Jepsen’s departure to a high‑growth aerospace spinoff reflects the broader industry trend of talent moving toward technology‑heavy sectors, while Deere’s interim CFO will focus on managing tariff costs and steering the company through a cyclical downturn.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.