Michael Mohan, 44, has joined JCB from Jaguar Land Rover, where he was strategic business director.
Mohan joined Jaguar Cars in 1990 and had a distinguished career which led him as chief programme engineer to develop the new Jaguar XF.
Tim Burnhope, JCB’s group managing director for product development and commercial operations, said: “We are delighted to welcome Michael to JCB to one of the most senior positions in the company.
“As well as a deep-rooted pedigree in UK manufacturing, he is passionate about engineering and has vast engineering experience and both these qualities will help drive forward our programme of exciting product introductions in the future.”
In his role, Mohan will be responsible for all aspects of engineering throughout JCB
He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity and I’m relishing the engineering challenge that working for one of Britain’s best known brands presents.
“Our success in the future will be based on innovating the best products in our industry and I’m looking forward to leading JCB’s talented team of engineers in delivering this objective.”