CBI chief takes JCB role

Confederation of British Industry (CBI) chief Sir Digby Jones is to become an advisor to JCB on government and international affairs following his retirement from the organisation.

Sir Digby, who has been director general of the CBI for seven years, will take up his position at JCB on 1 September.

On a fact-finding tour of six of JCB’s UK plants, Sir Digby said: "JCB is without doubt one of Britain’s most successful companies and I’m delighted to be joining as an advisor. As director general of the CBI I have visited more than 60 countries and seen first hand the global strength of the JCB brand."

John Patterson, JCB’s managing director and CEO, said Sir Digby’s knowledge and experience of business in Britain and around the world will prove invaluable as JCB becomes increasingly global.