George Bamford to become JCB joint chairman alongside father

Move comes as manufacturer’s pre-tax profits fell to £642m in 2025, from £687.3m.

George Bamford is set to become joint chairman at JCB alongside his father, Lord Anthony Bamford, the digger manufacturer has announced.

The news comes as the firm disclosed a decline in profits for the previous year, following a fall in machinery sales amid a “challenging” global economic climate.

The Staffordshire-based construction and agricultural equipment giant is currently ramping up investment across both the UK and US in an effort to spearhead a return to robust growth.

The business was originally established by Joseph Cyril Bamford in 1945.

His son Anthony has helmed the company as chairman since 1975, steering its global expansion, but has now confirmed he will share the position with his youngest son, George.

Lord Bamford said: “Last year, JCB celebrated its 80th birthday and, as we look ahead, we are investing heavily in the future of the business – from the transformation of our Staffordshire headquarters and pioneering hydrogen technology, to our new factory in Texas.

“As part of that next chapter, I’m delighted that my son George will become joint chairman of JCB.

“We have never been a company that stands still, and these investments will ensure JCB is well placed to seize the opportunities ahead.”

George Bamford, who also founded watch brand Bamford Watch Department, will assume the position from the beginning of October.

The announcement coincides with JCB pressing ahead with its new American manufacturing facility in San Antonio, Texas, which is due to open next month. The facility, which will generate 1,500 jobs over the coming five years, will enable the company to sidestep tariff expenses currently impacting UK-manufactured products exported to the US.

JCB is simultaneously boosting investment domestically, with a £100 million redevelopment of its headquarters, incorporating a £60 million fully automated powder paint facility.

On Monday, the group disclosed that turnover declined to £5.7 billion in 2025, compared with £5.8 billion a year earlier.

This followed the firm selling 113,498 machine units for the year, dropping by 5.2% year-on-year.

It reported pre-tax profits decreased to £642 million for the year from £687.3 million in 2024.

JCB 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.

“Despite nil market growth in North America and a 12% market contraction in India – both important markets for JCB – we increased our global market share during 2025, which is an encouraging result.

“The overall outlook for 2026 is for moderate growth, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, and with new capacity coming on stream in Texas and Staffordshire we are well placed to take advantage of it.”