Esie Cortez

Big Joe Forklifts - United States

Esie Cortez has been named the new vice president - IT & EP OEM parts, with Big Joe Forklifts.

Cortez, who is based in Illinois, started with Big Joe in 2023 as the director of key accounts services.

She is an accomplished project leader with a strong background in IT strategy, marketing, sales operations, and customer support. 

Cortez previously worked for a decade with automation machinery manufacturer, Emerson.

Aurelie Clerquin

Exotec - France

Exotec has promoted Aurelie Clerquin from head of financial planning & analysis to executive vice president of finance.

Before joining Exotec in May 2023, Clerquin spent 10 years at global bio-pharma company Roquette, where she held several senior finance roles, including Head of Commercial & Corporate Controlling.

Exotec has also named Renata Spada as its new chief people officer.

Spada has enjoyed a 20-year carer in human resource and 10 years in finance and legal, having held leadership roles at major French energy companies Engie and EDF, and international firms Price Waterhouse, Lafarge, and Snap-on Tools.

Under her leadership, Engie was named as the top-ranked company among France’s largest publicly listed firms for gender balance best practices in 2024.

“Expanding beyond its European origins is central to Exotec’s long-term growth strategy,” the company states. “Both Spada and Clerquin bring deep experience from global organisations, making them instrumental in driving the next phase of the company’s evolution.”

Jussi Rautiainen

Konecranes - Finland

Konecranes has announced Jussi Rautiainen will take up the role of president - business area equipment and become part of the business's leadership team from January 1, 2026.

Rautiainen replaces Marko Tulokas in the role. In June Tulokas was named president and CEO of Konecranes.

Rautiainen has been with Konecranes since 2004 and has held numerous roles within the company, including general manager of STS, shipyard and bulk handling cranes as well as senior VP of unit port cranes.

Tulokas says of Rautiainen’s appointment: “His extensive experience will be a valuable contribution to our strategy of strengthening our position in material handling solutions”.

Rautiainen adds: “I look forward to joining Konecranes' Leadership Team and to be part of the continued successful journey to meet our customers' current and future demands”.