Caterpillar’s mining division head Steve Wunning has announced his retirement from the company, and will step down early next year.

The manufacturer has already appointed current group president Ed Rapp as Wunning’s replacement.

In a Caterpillar career spanning 41 years of outstanding service, Steve played a crucial role in the development and success of Cat Logistics and our product support business,” Cat CEO Doug Oberhelman said.

“In addition, Steve’s executive leadership and long-term vision was critical to Caterpillar’s largest ever acquisition in 2011, the purchase of Bucyrus International. That acquisition positions Caterpillar with and industry-leading range of surface and underground mining products and solutions for global mining customers.

It’s no secret the mining industry has gone through a tough period the last couple years. In the face of that challenging environment, Steve has provided outstanding leadership and guidance for our global mining employees, dealers and customers, and his acute focus on cost management will have us ready for the mining upturn,” Oberhelman added.

Following Wunning’s retirement from the position Rapp, who currently resides in Singapore and oversees Cat’s construction industries, will relocate to Peoria, Illinois.

“Ed has led the reinvigoration around the world of our construction business, which has resulted in improved profitability and performance in recent years,” Oberhelman said.

“He’s also provided outstanding leadership in developing a strong core of local leaders across the Asia Pacific region, setting the stage for our future growth and success in that part of the world.”

Cat has also carried out a number of other changes at the top, with Cat customer and dealer support head Stu Levenick stepping down, and Cat’s head of Solar Turbines, Tom Pellette, moving up to replace Rapp’s now empty role.