20.01.2026

Brandon Hitch moves to CCO

Brandon Hitch, the current chief executive of Australian crane association CICA (Crane Industry Council of Australia), plans to relocate to the USA in May to take up a new role in July, as a senior director of CCO Certification.

The appointment is a key element of the new initiative ‘Green Sticker by CraneSafe (GSCS)’, essentially a move by training and certification organisation NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators), which adopts CICA’s highly regarded Australian Green Sticker crane inspection programme into the USA. See:[47790]

The two partners in this new collaboration believe that his on the ground presence and leadership will help ensure the GSCS program is implemented consistently, effectively and with the technical rigour required to deliver lasting change across the US crane industry.

Hitch joined CraneSafe in 2011 as an engineer have previously worked for Cargotec/Hiab, following a good few years as an engineer with Ford Motor. In 2012, he was promoted to general manager and took over as New CEO for CICAchief executive at the end of 2014).

During his time with CICA the organisation has launched a number of new initiatives including:
• CraneSafe
• CrewSafe
• StartSafe
• Articulated Mobile Crane On-Road Course
• Lift Supervisor Program
• National Training Model
• CICA Member Portal

CICA board president Marcus Ferrari said: .“Brandon has been instrumental in transforming how safety, training and professionalism are approached in the crane industry. His vision gave us initiatives like CrewSafe, StartSafe, the Articulated Mobile Crane Course, and the Lift Supervisor Programme, all of which have lifted standards to a whole new level.”

“He has brought deep expertise in Australian and international Standards, but what truly sets
him apart is his humble leadership style and his ability to bring people together. His
brilliance, integrity and commitment to doing things properly will be greatly missed in
Australia. Brandon didn’t just improve systems, he changed culture. He helped build an industry that values consistency, accountability and professionalism, and his legacy will continue to protect those working in our industry for years to come.”

“We will truly miss Brandon and are deeply grateful for his years of hard work,
dedication and unwavering commitment, and while his move to the United States marks the
end of an incredible chapter here in Australia, we are pleased that his connection with CICA
will remain strong in his new role.”