Sims Crane & Equipment Leadership Promotions Strengthen Executive Team for Growth
- Meagan Wood
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
The Sims Crane & Equipment leadership promotions see Derek Sather, Mike Kuffermann, and Curtis Taylor elevated into senior executive roles to strengthen the company’s focus on safety, operational excellence, and long-term growth. The appointments reinforce Sims’ strategy of developing internal leadership while enhancing capabilities across risk management, sales, and data-driven operations, positioning the company for continued expansion across its US footprint.
Sims Crane & Equipment Leadership Promotions
The Sims Crane & Equipment leadership promotions mark a strategic move by the US-based crane rental company to reinforce its executive structure and support continued growth.
The company has elevated Derek Sather, Mike Kuffermann, and Curtis Taylor into key leadership positions, aligning with its commitment to safety, operational excellence, and long-term business development.
Derek Sather Appointed Chief Risk Officer
Derek Sather has been named chief risk officer, where he will oversee:
Risk management
Compliance programmes
Insurance strategy
Contractual oversight
Internal training through Sims University
Sather joined Sims in 2020 as vice president of risk management & safety and brings extensive industry experience dating back to the late 1990s.
His career progression includes roles as:
Crane operator
Salesman
Lift planner
Crane inspector
In 2012, he became a master instructor with the International Union of Operating Engineers, a role he held for eight years before moving to insurance specialist NBIS, where he served as assistant vice president of risk management. He later joined Sims, continuing his focus on safety and industry standards.
Sather has also contributed to the industry through active involvement with NCCCO and ASME committees.
Mike Kuffermann Named Chief Sales Officer
Mike Kuffermann has been promoted to chief sales officer, taking responsibility for leading the company’s sales strategy and growth initiatives.
A second-generation member of the Sims team, Kuffermann joined the company full-time in 2009 as strategic operations manager.
Over the past 14 years, he has progressed through a series of leadership roles, including:
Fleet and operational management positions
Appointment as vice president, fleet operations in 2023
His promotion reflects both his deep operational knowledge and his role in driving fleet and business growth.
Curtis Taylor Appointed Chief Business Operations Officer
Curtis Taylor takes on the role of chief business operations officer, where he will oversee:
Business analytics
Reporting systems
Data-driven transformation initiatives
Operational, billing, and customer engagement processes
Taylor joined Sims in 2024 as director of data sciences, bringing expertise in data systems and enterprise operations.
His career began in 2008 with Shawcor, a Canadian manufacturer specializing in pipe coating and insulation, where he advanced to ERP manager. He later held senior roles at:
DLS Information Systems
Canyon Tech / Astra Canyon Group
His background supports Sims’ increasing focus on data-driven decision making and operational efficiency.
Leadership Vision for the Future
Commenting on the appointments, chief executive Deborah Weber said:
“As we continue raising the standard across our industry, these leaders represent the very best of Sims. Each brings a unique strength that supports our mission to deliver unmatched quality, strengthen our culture, and position Sims for the future. They reflect the strength of our people and our commitment to building leaders from within. At Sims, safety, innovation, and teamwork are not just values, they are how we operate every day.”
About Sims Crane & Equipment
Sims Crane & Equipment is one of the leading crane rental and lifting solutions providers in the United States, headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Founded in 1959, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality lifting services across a wide range of industries, including construction, infrastructure, energy, and industrial sectors.
Sims operates an extensive network of 15 locations across Florida, including Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and West Palm Beach, along with an additional location in Atlanta, Georgia. The company offers a comprehensive fleet of mobile cranes, crawler cranes, and specialized lifting equipment, supported by experienced operators and engineering teams.
With a strong emphasis on safety, innovation, and workforce development, Sims continues to invest in both its people and technology, positioning itself as a key player in the North American crane rental market.
Website: https://www.simscrane.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Sims Crane & Equipment leadership promotions?
The Sims Crane & Equipment leadership promotions involve the appointment of Derek Sather, Mike Kuffermann, and Curtis Taylor to senior executive roles to support company growth and operations.
Who is the new chief risk officer at Sims Crane & Equipment?
Derek Sather has been appointed chief risk officer, overseeing risk management, compliance, and safety initiatives.
What role does Mike Kuffermann now hold?
Mike Kuffermann is now chief sales officer, responsible for leading sales strategy and business growth.
What does the chief business operations officer do at Sims?
Curtis Taylor oversees business analytics, reporting, and data-driven operational improvements across the company.
Where is Sims Crane & Equipment based?
Sims Crane & Equipment is headquartered in Tampa, Florida, with multiple locations across Florida and one in Atlanta, Georgia.
