Markwart (Mark) von Pentz

Board Member & Advisor | Certified NED and Board Member | Agriculture, Manufacturing & Technology

Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

About

Experienced Board member, advisor, and leader of complex businesses with industry-leading knowledge at the global forefront of technology and digitalisation in manufacturing and technical industries. Building a portfolio of further non-executive and advisory roles, leveraging a 30-year international senior executive career. Strong focus on the development and implementation of commercially successful and digitally enabled business models delivered through high-performance teams. Passionate about agriculture, aerospace, and defence. Supports organisations to navigate the international market and geo-political landscape, in Asia, South America and Europe specifically.

Experience

  • Member of The Supervisory Board at Mercer International Inc.
    May 2025 - Present · 1 yr 3 mos

  • Advisory Council Member at DLG e.V. - German Agricultural Society
    Nov 2024 - Present · 1 yr 9 mos

  • Advisory Council Member at GOLDBECK SOLAR Group
    2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • Advisory Council Member at TREPEL Airport Equipment GmbH
    2024 - Present · 2 yrs 7 mos

  • John Deere (36 yrs 1 mo)
    • Senior Advisor, Office to the Chairman and CEO
      2023 - 2024 · 1 yr

      Deere & Co is the $60bn+ global leader in agriculture, construction and forestry equipment and solutions employing 80,000 people and leading digital innovation. Targeted advice on board and CEO-level matters relevant to the international agriculture industry

    • President Agricultural & Turf Division
      2007 - 2023 · 16 yrs

      Direct report to Chairman and CEO and member of the Senior Management Board with responsibility for all aspects of the Global Agriculture & Turf business ($15bn and 20,000 headcount), including Advanced Engineering, Engineering, Manufacturing and Go to Market activities. This business represents roughly half of Deere’s Portfolio in all major regions of the world. • Key contributor to the transformation of John Deere operating model from a classic equipment to a smart industrial company and becoming the undisputed leader in Precision Farming. • Restructuring of the business in Europe, India and China. Building the Russian footprint and shutting it down in an orderly manner in 2022. • Leading post-acquisition integration of key acquisitions (Wirtgen Group, 2017; Monosem, 2016; Kemper, 2001).

    • Member of the Board of Directors, John Deere Capital Corporation
      2007 - 2023 · 16 yrs

      The Corporation provides financing services for Deere’s customers worldwide. Board role overseeing all aspects of this business.