University Newsletter
School of Business Executive in Residence Rod Bull on campus April 2
The next School of Business Executive in Residence, EIU Allum, Mr. Rod Bull, CEO, Komatsu North America will come back to visit EIU and discuss his real-world experience.
He will meet with EIU administration, School of Business Faculty, visit classrooms and have a talk on ' Emerging Technologies and the Future of Work' on April 2nd at 12:30- 1:45 p.m. in the Lumpkin Hall Auditurium.
Mr. Rod Bull serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Komatsu North America, where he oversees the largest region in Komatsu’s global operations spanning construction, mining, forestry, forklift, and digital solutions. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Rod is recognized for building high-performing teams, fostering a culture of safety and innovation, and driving sustainable, customer-centric growth across complex markets.
Rod joined Komatsu in 2011 and has since held progressively senior leadership roles, including Vice President of Loader Products, General Manager of the North America Mining Division, and Executive Vice President for the North America Region. Under his leadership, Komatsu has executed strategic investments in U.S. manufacturing/service operations, expanded digital solutions offerings, and delivered significant gains in operational efficiency, customer support, and market reach. Prior to Komatsu, Rod spent a decade at Caterpillar in commercial leadership roles across pricing, parts, and mining. His expertise spans every link in the manufacturing value chain from factory floor operations to multi-billion-dollar P&L oversight and global customer engagement.
Rod holds an MBA from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a Bachelor of Science from Eastern Illinois University. He recently completed the Advanced Management Program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Rod serves on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Manufacturers and Green Forests Work, supporting initiatives that advance industry innovation and environmental restoration.
