Simon Emery

Jofson - United Kingdom

The UK’s largest independent Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks dealer, Jofson, has named Simon Emery as its new managing director.

Emery has had a long career with Crown where he held the roles of manger Middle East and India, manager dealer operations in the EMEA and, most recently, as director of sales and marketing for the EMEA region.

Jofson CEO, Rachel Moore, says: “It's brilliant to have Simon on board. With Jofson’s recent growth and ambition, Simon’s industry knowledge and insight will be invaluable.”

Emery says of his new role: “Crown has been such a big part of my lift, so it was always going to take a special role for me to move on, but that's exactly what this is. I’ve seen the growth of Jofson in recent years and it’s a project I’m excited to be a part of.”

Marin Tchakarov

Robust.AI - United States

Collaborative and Physical AI provider Robust.AI has announced Marin Tchakarov has taken on the role of CEO with the business.

Tchakarov is a seasoned business executive in the robotics, AI and automation fields having previously worked as integrated lead - autonomous forklifts with Symbiotic, CEO and president of Fox Robotics and CEO of Ocado Solutions.

As CEO of Fox Robotics, Tchakarov successfully scaled the organisation for commercial growth, paving the way for the company’s acquisition by Symbotic.

“Some CEOs are good at winning business, others are good at operations, and yet others are good at predicting where the market is headed,” says Robust.AI board member John Spinale. “Marin is the rare executive who is good at all three.

“His commercial savvy, product vision and financial discipline are just what Robust.AI needs as it enters this next phase of hypergrowth.”

Tchakarov says of his appointment: “I am very excited to join the Robust.AI team at such a pivotal moment in the company’s arc”.

Chris Walthers

Cascade Corporation - United States

Attachment manufacturer Cascade Corporation has named Chris Walthers general manager - Americas, where he will be responsible for leading the company's Americas business operations and performance.

Walthers brings almost two decades of experience with Cascade, having joined the company in 2006 as a design engineer. Throughout his time with the business, he has held a number of engineering and leadership roles including as an R&D engineer and, most recently, as global engineering manager, R&D. 

In his last role, Walthers oversaw global product development, validation, and technical analysis activities across Cascade's materials handling solutions portfolio. 

Cascade says Walthers has been closely involved in the development of several innovative materials handling technologies and is named on multiple patents related to lift truck attachments and hydraulic force control systems.

“Chris has demonstrated outstanding leadership, technical expertise and a commitment to innovation throughout his career with Cascade,” the company states. “His deep understanding of our products, customers and operations positions him well to lead the Americas organisation and support continued growth.”