Nathan Hibbs

Beckhoff Automation USA - United States

Minneapolis-headquartered Beckhoff Automation has promoted Nathan Hibbs to the role of US industry manager - material handling & logistics.

Hibbs started with Beckhoff in 2022 as material handling & intralogistics business manager where he has managed numerous intralogistics and material handling industry efforts, including collaborating with end users, OEMs, and warehouse integrators to implement powerful automation solutions from Beckhoff.

He now translates his more than 15 years’ experience in the industrial automation sector, to his new role as industry manager for the US.

“Nathan has rapidly established himself as a key contributor to the Beckhoff intralogistics team and over the past four years has grown into a recognized subject matter expert in the industry,” says Doug Schuchart, global intralogistics manager. 

“He joined Beckhoff with extensive experience in automation, controls, and mechatronics technologies applied in many industries, including intralogistics applications, which enabled him to make an immediate impact. 

“We look forward to seeing Nathan leverage this expertise as he transitions into his new, elevated role.”

Sylvain Blaise

Manitou Group - France

Manitou Group has named Sylvain Blaise as its future president and CEO from June 30, when he will replace Michel Denis who has spent 12 years in the role.

Manitou’s board of directors also named Christopher Himsworth as chairman of the board of directors and Virginie Himsworth as a board member (subject to ratification at the next general meeting in June).

Blaise has more than 25 years of international experience in the industrial vehicle and agricultural equipment sectors. After beginning his career at the Alfa-Laval Group, he spent more than 20 years in strategic and operational leadership roles within CNH Industrial and Iveco Group. 

Most recently, he served as president of the powertrain division (FPT Industrial) and was a member of the senior leadership team at Iveco Group.

“My immediate priority will be to build bonds of trust with our 6,100 employees, our dealers, our customers, and our partners to strengthen our international leadership and pursue our mission: set the world in motion,” Blaise says.

“The ambitions of the LIFT 2030 strategic plan already offer strong prospects for growth, transformation, and innovation, which are particularly unifying for the entire group.”

Christine Walker

Magline - United States

Aluminium material handling equipment producer, Magline, has named Christine Walker as its president and chief operating officer.

The appointment became effective on April 13 and sees Walker bring her almost 30 years’ experience in progressive leadership experience from Dow Inc, where she delivered measurable business results across global product portfolios, commercial strategy, operations, and innovation initiatives. 

Magline says her appointment reflects its “focus on value-driven leadership as the company enters its next phase of growth”.

“Christine is a proven leader who brings both strategic vision and operational discipline,” says Greg Ecker, CEO of Magline. “Throughout our selection process, she consistently demonstrated the integrity, accountability, teamwork, and grit that define Magline’s culture. 

“She is uniquely positioned to help lead the next phase of our growth while strengthening the leadership behaviours that make Magline special”.