CICA Chief Executive Brandon Hitch to Relocate to USA for Senior NCCCO Role

30-Second Takeaway

Long-serving CICA CEO Brandon Hitch will move to the United States in mid-2026 to join CCO Certification as a senior director. His appointment underpins the international expansion of Australia’s CraneSafe Green Sticker programme, now being adopted in the US through a strategic partnership with NCCCO.

Brandon Hitch Appointed Senior Director at CCO Certification

Brandon Hitch, the current chief executive of the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA), has confirmed plans to relocate to the United States in May, ahead of taking up a new role in July as a senior director with CCO Certification.

The appointment forms a key part of the newly announced Green Sticker by CraneSafe (GSCS) initiative, under which the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is adopting CICA’s Australian Green Sticker crane inspection programme for implementation across the US.

On-the-Ground Leadership to Support US Rollout

Both organisations believe Hitch’s on-the-ground presence in the United States will be critical to ensuring the GSCS programme is implemented with consistency, technical rigour, and long-term effectiveness.

His leadership is expected to play a central role in delivering standardised crane inspection practices, improving inspection accountability, and driving lasting safety improvements across the US crane industry.

Career Spanning Engineering, Manufacturing and Crane Safety

Hitch joined CraneSafe in 2011 as an engineer, having previously worked with Cargotec/Hiab, following several years as an engineer with Ford Motor Company.

In 2012, he was promoted to general manager, before being appointed chief executive of CICA at the end of 2014. During his tenure, Hitch has overseen a period of significant transformation and growth for the organisation.

Major Industry Initiatives Launched Under Hitch’s Leadership

During his time with CICA, Hitch has been instrumental in launching and expanding a range of industry-defining initiatives, including:

• CraneSafe

• CrewSafe

• StartSafe

• Articulated Mobile Crane On-Road Course

• Lift Supervisor Program

• National Training Model

• CICA Member Portal

• 
  

These programmes have significantly elevated training standards, safety culture, and professional consistency across the Australian crane industry.

Board Praises Transformational Impact

CICA board president Marcus Ferrari paid tribute to Hitch’s contribution and leadership.

“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.”

Ferrari highlighted Hitch’s leadership style and long-term influence on industry culture.

“He has brought deep expertise in Australian and international standards, but what truly sets him apart is his humble leadership style and ability to bring people together. Brandon didn’t just improve systems — he changed culture. His legacy will continue to protect those working in our industry for years to come.”

He added that while Hitch’s move marks the end of an era in Australia, ties with CICA will remain strong.

“While his relocation 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.”

About the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA)

The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) is the peak body representing the Australian crane industry. CICA leads the development of industry-led safety initiatives, training frameworks, and technical guidance, including the widely adopted CraneSafe Green Sticker inspection programme.

Website: https://www.cica.com.au

About CCO Certification / NCCCO

CCO Certification, operating under the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO), is a US-based organisation dedicated to improving lifting safety through certification, inspection, and professional standards. NCCCO certifications are recognised across North America and internationally.

Website: https://www.nccco.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is relocating to the United States from CICA?

Brandon Hitch, the current chief executive of CICA, is relocating to the USA.

What role will Brandon Hitch take up in the US?

He will become a senior director at CCO Certification starting in July.

What initiative is his appointment linked to?

The appointment supports the rollout of the Green Sticker by CraneSafe (GSCS) programme in the United States.

When will Brandon Hitch relocate?

He plans to relocate to the United States in May, ahead of starting the new role in July.

Will Brandon Hitch remain connected to CICA?

Yes, CICA has confirmed that his connection with the organisation will remain strong.