10.02.2003

Sparrow quits UpRight and industry

Leigh Sparrow, one of the best known figures of the powered access industry, has announced that he is leaving UpRight and will not seek further work in the powered access or crane business. Citing personal reasons as the basis of his decision, Sparrow said in an open letter to colleagues:

“As you may know 2002 was a challenging year for me on a personal and family basis. It caused me to take a serious look at my life and led me to the conclusion that the time is right for a change of pace and focus.

“As a result I will be leaving the company and the industry this summer”.

Ian Menzies, president of UpRight announced the news and said: “Whilst he [Sparrow] will most certainly be missed we must wish him the very best of success for the future and with any ventures or directions he will take”.

Sparrow added that discussions between he and Menzies had been in progress for several months and said that: “I have not reached this decision lightly nor without a great deal of thought, Ian Menzies has been a great help in this, having acted as my sounding board since late August when I first mooted the idea.”

Menzies and Sparrow both said that the long gestation period had allowed them to plan the timing to best suit the business and prepare for a smooth transition.
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Leigh Sparrow

Steve Couling has been appointed to take over the European sales and distribution part of Sparrow’s role and Sparrow described him as “the ideal candidate” because of his previous experience of manufacturing operations with Simon, and his distribution experience as a partner with a Haulotte distributor and as a director of UpRight UK.

“I feel that the timing of this decision is as good as these things can be, (understanding that there is never a perfect time), with UpRight now well clear of the Chapter 11 reorganisation, with our ongoing restructure plans for the US and European businesses well underway and at the start of a business cycle.

“Over the next few months I will be introducing Steve to everyone and handing over the day-to-day Role. I would anticipate that this hand over will be largely complete by the end of March or so. I will though, be available through Mid Summer” said Sparrow.