In Memory of Michael Posener: A Dedicated Voice in Cranes, Construction, and Publishing

Michael Posener, a highly respected figure in the crane, construction, and publishing industries. Mike passed away on 19 June 2025, aged 67.

With great regret, we report the death of Michael Posener, a long-time veteran of the crane, construction, and publishing industries. Mike passed away on 19 June 2025, at the age of 67, following a period of serious illness. Mike’s story began in Westminster, London, where he was born in 1958. His family had emigrated from Germany just before the outbreak of the Second World War, settling in the UK as tensions escalated across Europe. He grew up in the south of England and trained as a carpenter and joiner—skills that would later serve as the foundation for a remarkable career.

In the earlier chapters of his professional life, Mike ran his own construction company in Germany, where he first worked with cranes—not behind the scenes, but hands-on as an end user. This practical grounding gave him a deep and enduring respect for the equipment and the people who operated it, something that would remain central throughout his later work.

His passion for the crane industry eventually led him into publishing, where he became a prominent figure in Crane Industry Media. Over a span of 24 years, Mike made significant contributions to some of the sector’s most respected publications. Mike entered the business-to-business publishing sector in the 1990s, where he quickly distinguished himself through his deep understanding of the crane and lifting industry and his strong commercial instincts.

He first made his mark at Wilmington Publishing, where he held a senior commercial role on Cranes Today magazine—then one of the leading global publications for lifting equipment and heavy transport. There, he developed strong relationships across the UK and European crane industries, managing key advertising accounts and forging partnerships that brought technical content to the forefront of editorial strategy. His work helped solidify Cranes Today’s role as a trusted source of information in a fast-evolving sector.

Later, Mike moved to Vertikal Press, where he became a central figure behind Cranes & Access magazine. During his time there, he played a hands-on role in expanding the publication’s reach within the lifting, access, and telehandler sectors. Known for his energetic sales approach and genuine knowledge of equipment trends, Mike was instrumental in growing the publication's advertising base, particularly among European crane manufacturers and rental companies. He was widely recognized for his honesty, industry know-how, and collaborative spirit—attributes that won him long-lasting respect. He spent nearly two decades at KHL Group, holding senior roles in sales and advertising for Access International and later for International Cranes and Specialized Transport, up until April 2024.

In his most recent role, Mike served as Marketing and New Business Director for Stafford Crane Group, based in Ireland—a country he had called home for several years. His industry knowledge, commercial insight, and direct communication style made him both a respected colleague and a trusted voice.

Mike’s love for the crane industry ran deep. Whether at a trade show, on a jobsite, in a boardroom, or behind a magazine desk, he brought the same energy, authenticity, and curiosity. He admired the machines, but it was the people who truly drove his passion. He was known for his direct style, sharp wit, and generous mentorship.

Despite battling significant health issues in recent years, Mike continued to work, contribute, and connect—with the same determination and spirit that defined his career. Despite facing a series of serious health challenges over the past several years, he approached each day with resilience, tenacity, and a no-nonsense spirit that earned him admiration across the globe.

His absence will be felt deeply by those who had the privilege to work alongside him or benefit from his decades of expertise and advocacy.

We extend our sincere condolences to Mike’s partner Silvia, his son Liam, and to his family, friends, and colleagues around the world.

May he be remembered for his unwavering dedication, his wit, and the legacy he leaves behind in the crane and construction publishing world.