JCB has appointed George Bamford as co-chairman alongside his father, Anthony Bamford, ending a long-running succession question at the family-owned construction equipment manufacturer. George, 45 and Lord Bamford's third child, has been promoted from deputy chairman and identified as his eventual successor instead of his elder brother Joseph Bamford. The appointment is the first change at JCB's top level in more than 50 years. The move comes as JCB reports higher global market share in 2025 despite flat demand in North America and a contraction in India. The company recorded flat sales of £5.7 billion last year, while profits fell 7%. JCB is investing £100 million at its Staffordshire headquarters and has built a $1 billion plant in San Antonio, Texas, scheduled to open next month. The company expects moderate growth this year despite geopolitical uncertainty. It employs 20,000 people worldwide, including 8,000 in the UK, and is developing hydrogen-powered excavators through a £100 million programme.