Kelly Stewart

Big Joe Forklifts - United States

Big Joe Forklifts, a North American provider of integrated lithium-ion forklifts, warehouse equipment and autonomous material handling solutions, has appointed Kelly Stewart as its vice president of human resources.

Stewart brings more than 15 years of human resources experience, spanning manufacturing, healthcare and consulting, to the role.

Most recently, she spent nearly nine years in healthcare focused on cancer diagnostics, where she developed extensive experience supporting organisations through growth and change.

“People are at the heart of everything we do at Big Joe, and bringing Kelly onto our leadership team strengthens our ability to invest in our employees and our future,” says Dan Rosskamm, president and CEO of Big Joe Forklifts.

Stewart will work closely with Big Joe’s leadership team to develop and execute people-focused strategies that support the company’s business objectives, build strong leadership and create opportunities for employees to grow alongside the organisation.

“I look forward to partnering with the leadership team and employees to build on the strong foundation already in place, strengthen and evolve the organisation as we continue to grow, and ensure our people and culture remain a competitive advantage,” says Stewart.

Steve Shakespeare

UKMHA - United Kingdom

Steve Shakespeare has been appointed to the board of directors of the UK Materials Handling Association (UKMHA).

The current CEO of Aprolis UK, Shakespeare brings more than three decades of experience in the materials handling industry to the role.

Shakespeare’s career in materials handling began as a 16-year-old engineering apprentice with Lex Harvey. Aside from a three-year period leading a commercial vehicle business, he has spent his entire professional career within the sector.

This includes senior leadership positions with leading manufacturers including Linde and Jungheinrich, as well as independent businesses such as Acclaim Handling. He joined Impact Handling in 2020 and was appointed CEO in 2022.

Shakespeare joins the UKMHA board at a time in which businesses continue to navigate technological change, sustainability challenges, skills shortages and evolving customer expectations.

“I’m delighted to be joining the UKMHA board and to have the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that supports companies of all shapes and sizes across our industry,” says Shakespeare.

Kevin Clark

AED - United States

Associated Equipment Distributors (AED), a US-based not-for-profit international trade association, has appointed Kevin Clark to its board of directors as an at-large director.

President and CEO of AKRS Equipment Solutions, Clark serves agricultural customers throughout Nebraska. A lifelong Nebraskan with deep ties to agriculture, he brings broad executive experience to the new role, with experience in equipment distribution, manufacturing, transportation, finance and consumer products.

Over the course of his career, Clark has worked in more than 25 countries, and developed a global perspective on business strategy, operations, organisational leadership, and customer service.

At AKRS, he leads one of the region’s largest agricultural equipment organisations, with a focus on long-term growth, operational excellence, and supporting the customers and communities the company serves.

“Kevin’s leadership at AKRS and his experience across multiple industries will be an asset to AED as we continue working to strengthen and advocate for equipment dealers, manufacturers, and the customers they serve,” says Brian P. McGuire, president and CEO of AED.