Manitou Announces CEO Transition and New Leadership Structure to Drive LIFT 2030 Strategy

30-Second Takeaway

Manitou Group is entering a new leadership chapter as CEO Michel Denis confirms he will step down in June next year after three transformative terms. With revenue more than doubling under his leadership and the company maintaining its number-one position in the global telehandler market, Manitou is reinforcing continuity through a refreshed executive committee and a new regional operating model designed to support its LIFT 2030 strategy and long-term global growth.

Manitou Group has announced a significant leadership transition as Chief Executive Officer Michel Denis confirmed he will step down at the conclusion of his third term in June next year, marking the end of a transformative chapter for the global material handling and access equipment manufacturer.

Denis has informed Manitou’s board of directors that he will not seek a fourth term when his current contract expires on June 11. A formal recruitment process to identify his successor is already underway. In the meantime, Denis has committed to completing his full term and supporting a smooth leadership transition.

A Transformational Tenure at the Helm

Since taking on the CEO role in 2014, Michel Denis has overseen a period of significant growth and strategic repositioning for Manitou Group. Under his leadership, company revenue more than doubled from €1.2 billion in 2013 to €2.7 billion in 2024 while financial profitability was restored and strengthened.

Chairman Jacqueline Himsworth praised Denis’ impact on the organization, citing accelerated sustainability initiatives, major investments in production facilities, consistent dividend payments, and the group’s ability to navigate multiple global crises while preserving its independence and financial strength.

Manitou also retained its number one position in the global telehandler market during Denis’ tenure, while expanding its footprint across material handling and aerial work platform sectors.

Executive Committee Appointments Strengthen the Next Phase

As part of the transition, Manitou has confirmed a refreshed Executive Committee, designed to support the company’s LIFT 2030 strategy and future roadmap. The new structure reflects a blend of long-tenured internal leaders and targeted expertise across procurement, innovation, manufacturing, commercial excellence, and service.

New appointments include:

• Maurizio Achilli, promoted to Chief Procurement Officer, having served as Vice President of Sourcing since joining Manitou in 2018.

• Elisabeth Ausimour, a 20-year Manitou veteran and current President of the Products Division, now Chief Innovative Business & Technologies Officer.

• Corinne Le Guyader, with 30 years at Manitou, appointed Chief Commercial Excellence & Service Officer, transitioning from ERP project and process re-engineering leadership.

• Pierre Paineau, previously Vice President of the Telehandler Product Unit, named Chief Manufacturing & Industrial Officer.

The company also confirmed continuity among three existing Executive Committee members:

• Céline Brard, Chief Financial Officer

• Christine Prat, Chief Human Resources Officer

• Hervé Rochet, Chief Transformation & Governance Officer

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According to Denis, the depth of internal talent was a key factor in shaping the new leadership team. “The success of the LIFT strategic plan rests on a world-class leadership team,” he said, noting that the committee’s composition reflects the strength and experience within the organization.

A New Geographic Operating Model

In parallel, Manitou has introduced a new executive structure based on three geographic zones, supported by global and corporate functions. This model, effective January at the start of the new fiscal year, is designed to bring decision-making closer to customers and regional markets while maintaining global consistency.

The regional leadership appointments are as follows:

• Brad Boehler, newly joined from Makinex, appointed President – North America

• Jean Rouault, a 30-year Manitou veteran and current Vice President of Sales for Northern and Eastern Europe, named President – Europe

• Steve Ryder, with Manitou since 2018, appointed President – South and Central America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania, expanding on his previous regional and product leadership roles

  
  

The regional presidents will be responsible for delivering both financial and non-financial performance targets while adapting Manitou’s operations to evolving market conditions.

Brad Boehler Appointed President of Manitou North America

As part of its leadership transition, Manitou has appointed Brad Boehler as President of Manitou North America, a role that also places him on the group’s executive board.

Based in West Bend, Wisconsin, Boehler is tasked with accelerating Manitou’s market share growth across North America while strengthening customer service, dealer relationships, and regional execution.

Boehler joins Manitou after 18 months as president of Makinex, but he is best known for his 17-year career at Skyjack, where he progressed from Product Safety Manager to President, a position he held for eight years. During his time in the access industry, Boehler also served as President of IPAF and held board positions with Vita Inclinata, Compact

Equipment/AXCS, Serious Labs, and AEM – the Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

An engineering graduate, Boehler began his career in 1990 as a planning and engineering officer with the Canadian Army, before moving into construction supervision and later equipment manufacturing. His OEM experience includes roles at Tigercat, Skyjack, and Morbark (Alamo Group), giving him a rare combination of technical, operational, and executive leadership expertise.

Manitou welcomed the appointment, stating that Boehler brings “more than 25 years of outstanding leadership experience in the construction and access industry,” reinforcing the company’s ambition to make North America a key growth engine.

“I am proud and enthusiastic to join the Manitou Group and take on this new challenge,” Boehler said. “We have highly committed employees and two strong value-added brands in Gehl and Manitou. I look forward to applying my experience to stay closer to our customers and drive sustainable growth across the North American market.”

Preparing for the Next Chapter

Denis emphasized that the leadership transition is not a departure from strategy, but a continuation of momentum. Together with the new Executive Committee, he will continue supporting the rollout of the LIFT 2030 organization until the end of his term.

Reflecting on his tenure, Denis thanked Manitou’s 6,000 employees worldwide, its global dealer network of more than 800 partners, and key account customers for their role in strengthening the company’s market leadership.

“With the foundations laid by the LIFT 2030 strategy, the group is now ready to look forward to a sustainable and profitable future,” Denis said.

As Manitou prepares for its next CEO and enters a new operating model, the company is positioning itself for continuity, agility, and long-term growth in an increasingly competitive global equipment market.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Manitou CEO Michel Denis step down?

Michel Denis will step down when his current contract expires on June 11 next year. He has confirmed he will complete his full term and support a smooth leadership transition.

Why is Manitou changing its leadership structure now?

The leadership update aligns with the next phase of Manitou’s LIFT 2030 strategy, ensuring the organization is positioned for long-term growth, agility, and closer alignment with regional markets.

Who will succeed Michel Denis as CEO?

A formal recruitment process is underway. Manitou has not yet announced a successor.

What is the new executive committee structure?

Manitou has appointed leaders across procurement, innovation, manufacturing, commercial excellence, and service, while maintaining continuity in finance, HR, and governance roles.

Why is Manitou moving to a regional operating model?

The new three-zone structure allows decisions to be made closer to customers and markets, improving responsiveness while maintaining global consistency.

Does this change Manitou’s strategic direction?

No. The transition is designed to ensure continuity while accelerating the execution of the LIFT 2030 roadmap.

Learn More at https://www.manitou-group.com/en/