Savannah, Ga.-based JCB‘s Graeme MacDonald, 45, has been named successor to former CEO Alan Blake, 63.  MacDonald  became CEO designate on June 1. Blake joined JCB in 1989 and became CEO in 2010. He lead the company to its biggest expansion year in its history.

While CEO Blake’s responsibilities included presiding over the company’s sales and production growth. Blake will remain as a senior advisor and board member of the company.

MacDonald has held a variety of senior roles during his 16 years at JCB and was formerly the company’s COO.