Deere & Co. announced today that its board of directors has elected John Stone as president of Worldwide Construction & Forestry and Power Systems, effective July 1. Stone, 50, has been senior vice president of Deere’s Intelligent Solutions Group since 2016. In that role, he has led the company’s efforts to develop precision technologies. Stone was instrumental in the opening of John Deere Labs, a San Francisco-based research unit focused on breakthrough technologies such as machine learning and robotics. Also under his leadership, Deere in 2017 acquired Blue River Technology, a company that develops computer vision and machine learning capabilities for agriculture. “John’s record of success and proven leadership skills make him highly qualified for this critical role,” John May, chairman and CEO of Deere, said in a press release. “His firm grasp of the vital importance of technology will be of great benefit as he assumes leadership of our construction equipment operations.” Stone succeeds James Field, 57, who held that president position for two years. Field will assume a new role as senior adviser to the chairman, effective July 1.