08.08.2013

IPAF restructures for Hillebrand departure

The International Powered Access Association (IPAF) has implemented a series of changes following the announcement of Gerhard Hillebrand’s retirement.

Hillebrand, has been IPAF’s representative in Italy since 2004 plans to retire in April 2014. With a career dating back as far as 1953, he has held various sales and marketing management positions with Link Belt, Coles Cranes, JLG, Grove and Locatelli before becoming founding an export company for Italian truck-mounted industrial and firefighting aerial work platforms and mobile cranes.

Romina Vanzi, previously based in Chile as territory manager for non-English speaking regions and mast climbing work platforms, will move to IPAF’s Basel office in Switzerland to supervise and coordinate IPAF’s operations in Italy, South America and the Iberian Peninsula.
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Tim Whiteman (L) with Gerhard Hillebrand

Antonio Barbosa, who was recently appointed country manager for Brazil, will now be responsible for all operations in South America with José Manuel Mayo and Filipa Sanches continuing their roles as country representatives for Spain and Portugal respectively.

IPAF’s chief executive Tim Whiteman said: “Many will share my admiration for all the hard work, enthusiasm and imagination that Gerhard has brought to IPAF in the 10 years that he has been working with the Federation. Naturally Gerhard’s departure leaves a big challenge for IPAF and we are taking measures to ensure that our members in Italy, and elsewhere, continue to receive the support and leadership that they have become accustomed to. We have an excellent team in Italy who we will rely on to take additional responsibilities.”