# John Shumejda

> John M. Shumejda was an AGCO co-founder who worked across operations, technology and manufacturing before serving as president and chief executive officer from February 1999 until his death on January 4, 2002. His leadership years included a farm equipment downturn, manufacturing consolidation, the Ag-Chem acquisition and the announcement of AGCO’s Challenger tractor agreement with Caterpillar.

- **Role:** Deceased; formerly President and CEO at AGCO Corporation (February 1999-January 2002)
- **Organizations:** AGCO Corporation
- **Nationality:** American
- **Known for:** Co-founded AGCO in 1990., Held successive executive responsibilities in operations, technology, development and manufacturing., Served as AGCO president, CEO and a director from February 1999 until January 2002.

## Career timeline

- **1990** — Co-founded AGCO as part of the management team behind the Deutz-Allis buyout.
- **1993-01** — Became executive vice president and chief operating officer.
- **1996-01** — Became executive vice president of technology and development.
- **1996-08** — Became president of corporate operations and technology.
- **1997-02** — Became executive vice president of technology and manufacturing.
- **1998-01** — Became president and chief operating officer.
- **1999-02** — Became president, chief executive officer and a director.
- **2000-05** — Attended Ag-Chem presentations in Minnetonka and toured its Jackson plant with AGCO colleagues.
- **2001-12** — Helped announce the agreement with Caterpillar for next-generation Challenger tractors.
- **2002-01-04** — Died in an aircraft accident at Birmingham Airport, England, with colleague Ed Swingle and three crew members.

## Achievements

- Co-founded AGCO in 1990.
- Held successive executive responsibilities in operations, technology, development and manufacturing.
- Served as AGCO president, CEO and a director from February 1999 until January 2002.
- Participated in the early Ag-Chem meetings before AGCO’s 2001 acquisition.
- Helped announce the December 2001 agreement with Caterpillar for Challenger tractors.

## Latest updates

- **2002-06** — AGCO announced further succession arrangements after Shumejda’s death, extending Ratliff’s contract and appointing Donald Millard executive vice president and chief operating officer.
- **2002-04** — A Congressional Record tribute recognized Shumejda and others who died in the January 4 aircraft accident.

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/john-shumejda
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Last updated: 2026-10-23