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Business

George Bamford to become JCB joint chairman alongside father from October

JCB has announced that George Bamford, 45, will become joint chairman alongside his father Lord Bamford from the start of October, ending years of succession speculation — as the digger maker revealed turnover dipped to £5.7bn in 2025.

By Priya Raman · · 1 min read

George Bamford, the 45-year-old youngest son of Lord Anthony Bamford, will become joint chairman of JCB alongside his father from the start of October, the company announced on Monday — the first change at the top of the boardroom in more than 50 years.

Lord Bamford has chaired the Staffordshire-based construction equipment maker since 1975. In a statement, he said: “I’m delighted that my son George will become joint chairman of JCB. We have never been a company that stands still.”

The announcement settles a long-running succession question. In May, Lord Bamford told the Telegraph that George — who founded the Bamford Watch Department and had been appointed deputy chairman — would eventually take charge, over his elder son Joseph, known as Jo.

The change was announced as JCB disclosed a dip in 2025 performance: turnover fell to £5.7 billion from £5.8 billion a year earlier, machine sales dropped 5.2 per cent to 113,498 units, and pre-tax profit slipped to £642 million from £687.3 million. Chief executive Graeme Macdonald said: “While 2025 was a more challenging year with mixed market conditions around the world, JCB delivered a robust performance overall.”

The company said it was accelerating investment in the UK and US, including its new San Antonio, Texas factory, due to open next month and expected to create 1,500 jobs over five years, helping the firm sidestep US tariff costs on UK-made exports.

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