Andreas Schneider

STILL - Germany

STILL has named Andreas Schneider as its new managing director of sales and services, effective from August 1.

Schneider replaces Dr Florian Heydenreich who held the role for almost three years, and who leaves at his own request to follow new professional challenges.

STILL says the appointment of Schneider allows it to continue its strategy of maximum customer focus and the consistent expansion of its smart automation portfolio. 

“Andreas Schneider, who has been working in the company for 10 years, is a proven expert in the areas of service, brand development and automation,” STILL adds. “Most recently, he was responsible for product management and business unit automation at group level.”

Mara Zavagno

Konecranes - Germany

Mara Zavagno has been named as the new executive vice president people and culture with Konecranes.

Zavango will take up her appointment on October 1 and will report to the leadership team and CEO Marko Tulokas.

Zavagno replaces Anneli Karkovirta, who has announced she is retiring.

“I am very pleased that we found such an excellent successor for our people & culture leadership from within the company,” Marko Tulokas states.

“Mara Zavagno has extensive experience from all our business areas in several countries, and as a chief inclusion and diversity officer, she has systematically developed Konecranes’ diversity culture to meet the best industry standards.”

Dr Ashwini Wankhede

Hangcha Forklift America - United States

Hangcha (HC) Forklift America has named Dr Ashwini Wankhede as its vice president of operations. 

Wankhede most recently served as president of Toyota Tsusho Corporation de Mexico and previously was president and COO of Toyota Lift Northwest. 

He is an experienced leader in the material handling industry, and in his new role will oversee HCFA's operations, including parts, customer care, and engineering, while driving operational excellence, scalability, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

“I am honoured to join HC Forklift America at such an exciting stage of the company's growth,” Dr Wankhede says. 

“Hangcha has built an outstanding reputation for delivering innovative material handling solutions supported by a strong dealer network and customer first philosophy. Together, we will continue creating a culture focused on execution, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.”

Jimmy Zhang, president of HCFA, adds: “Ash's arrival reflects Hangcha's long term commitment to the US market.”