Cummins names new engine biz boss

COLUMBUS, Ind. — Cummins has named Rich Freeland to replace Jim Kelly as the company’s next president of the engine business.

Anant Talaulicar will take over Freeland’s current role as president of the company’s components business while continuing to serve in his current capacity as managing director of Cummins India.

Both Freeland and Talaulicar will assume their new roles in March 2010.

"Rich has done an outstanding job leading the components business and his breadth of experience leading multiple business units, as well as the depth of his prior work in our engine-related businesses will serve him well in his new role," said Tom Linebarger, Cummins president and chief operating officer.

Under his leadership, the components business has improved its profitability, the company says. Freeland was also instrumental in developing new products, especially those related to meeting the 2010 emissions regulations in the U.S.