As global diversity director at Caterpillar Inc., Jay Walton leads the development and deployment of the company’s enterprise diversity and inclusion strategy. He partners with the executive office, regional diversity councils, business divisions and functional succession planning groups to ensure its successful implementation, and works to ensure that Caterpillar has a strong pipeline of talent in place for key roles.

Part of the Caterpillar team for 14 years, Walton previously served as an engineering manager in the company’s Remanufacturing & Components Division. He was a key player in the establishment of the Hardened Barstock Product Group strategy, including the emerging markets strategy development and excavation cost reduction teams. He has an extensive marketing background and is a certified 6 Sigma Black Belt.

Walton is a member of the Caterpillar African American Network, an affinity group dedicated to providing mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities for African-American professionals. As a member of the group’s steering committee, he helped lead a project to increase market share among U.S. minority-owned construction businesses, which received wide acceptance among Caterpillar leaders.

When not at work, Walton devotes much of his time to bettering the community in which he lives and works. Since 2005, he has served as a board member for Upgrade, a private nonprofit housing corporation that provides safe, affordable housing and social supportive services for low- and moderate-income families. He continually strives to widen the group’s visibility and support.

Walton also volunteers his time and passion to St. Paul Baptist Church, where he instructs financial planning classes for its members and acts as the church’s financial advisor. He is an active member of the National Black MBA Association and the National Society of Black Engineers, and serves on the board of the Peoria Zoological Society.

Even with his busy professional and community schedule, Walton is a dedicated husband and father, setting aside regular time for his three boys. Sought after for his knowledge and integrity, Walton has earned the respect of leaders both within Caterpillar and the community. He is dedicated to sharing his abilities and resources for the benefit of his employer, family, church and community. iBi