25.05.2026

Kenneth Leslie Hughes 1952 – 2026

We have received the sad news that construction and rental industry publisher and ARA director and publisher of Rental Management magazine, Ken Hughes has died

He passed away on May 8th at the age of 73 in Corpus Christi, Texas, after losing a battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He leaves behind He is survived by wife Sonia, son Robert and three grandchildren.

Born in London, he began his career as a salesman with building magazine publisher Thompson, and later McLean Hunter, where he was associate publisher for International Construction magazine. Then, in 1996, it was off to Chicago to join Primedia, which published mining-related magazines. Next stop was Scranton Gillette, where he was publisher for a number of construction related magazines, including Roads & Bridges. And finally, he joined the American Rental Association as publisher of its rental magazine - Rental Management. He was also very active at the ARA Show, during build up and the event itself, along with the side events and receptions- particularly the International Reception.
He was always consistent, interested in everyone and how they were doing, always charming and helpful and spotting him walking down the aisle towards you at the show always a positive sight.
He was already missed by a good few people in the industry at the last couple of ARA Shows.