Caterpillar Inc., maker of those iconic yellow bulldozers and other construction and mining equipment, has appointed Suzette Long as general counsel and corporate secretary.

Long, who was traveling and not immediately available for comment, will head Caterpillar's legal services division along with its global government and corporate affairs division, the company said in a statement. She has served as interim executive vice president and chief legal officer since February.

Long replaces James Buda, who retired on May 1. Buda worked for 30 years in Caterpillar's legal department, including the last 16 years as chief legal officer.