20.08.2002

New bosses for Manitowoc group in Europe

Manitowoc's Crane Group has announced a significant re-organisation following the final completion of the Grove purchase.

Jean-Yves Bouffault has been named Executive Vice President of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa while Eric Etchart has been named Executive Vice President of the Asia/Pacific Region. Marty Lakes has been hired as Executive Vice President to lead the Americas Region of the Manitowoc Crane Group. Each vice president is responsible for Manitowoc, Grove, Potain and Liftlux activities in his area.

“These are three key positions in our new regionally-focused structure,” said Glen E. Tellock, President of Manitowoc Crane Group. “Each of these well-known leaders will be responsible for delivering our new mission, confirming Manitowoc as the leading producer of lifting equipment worldwide. Two years ago 90 per cent of our crane sales were domestic. With the acquisition of Potain and Grove over the last 15 months, we expect that 45 per cent of our sales will be outside the United States. This requires a structure that decisively supports the unique requirements of customers in each region of the world while taking advantage of the reduced cost structure made possible by operating as a single company. ”

Jean-Yves Bouffault, previously CEO of Potain, will serve as Executive Vice President within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region.

“Jean-Yves’ background with Potain gives him both the global experience and crane expertise to enhance our strong European business,” commented Tellock adding that Bouffault has grown Potain’s market-leading presence in Europe and Asia to the point that Asia now requires a separate Executive Vice President.

“I look forward to continuing to grow Manitowoc Crane Group’s presence in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. I am proud to be associated with such a dynamic global company that understands the importance of maintaining a regional focus,” said Bouffault.

Eric Etchart has been named Executive Vice President for the Asia/Pacific Region effective immediately. Etchart joined Potain in 1995 as Managing Director of Potain SPA in Italy. He later established a regional headquarters in Singapore for Potain and, in Manitowoc's words, successfully managed the turnaround of a failing joint venture. Etchart also oversaw the acquisition of Coastal Equipment in Singapore, a Manitowoc distributor for Southeast Asia and China.

“Eric’s leadership is a significant reason for Potain’s success in Asia,” said Tellock.

“I am excited to lead the Crane Group efforts in Asia. We have many opportunities to leverage our combined strength as a global provider of lift solutions,” said Etchart. Etchart will continue to run the Asia/Pacific Region from Shanghai.

Marty Lakes is returning to Manitowoc after two years as President of Uniloy Milacron, Inc., based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Lakes’ strengths are described by Manitowoc as "a strong match with Manitowoc Crane Group’s strategic direction of global integration, lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and outstanding customer focus".

“I’m delighted to be rejoining Manitowoc at a time when so many opportunities exist. Taking these three great brands to market as a single company is an opportunity of a lifetime,” said Lakes who assumed his new position yesterday, August 19th.

“While these are the first three members of my new senior management team, they are critical to our mission. I am announcing these appointments now so that these individuals can begin working immediately with our joint Transition Team to design and staff their regional organizations. I plan to announce the remainder of my senior management team within the next two weeks,” said Tellock.


More info:

Manitowoc and Grove confirmed.
New president for Grove.