Tim Waples is back at the BITA helm

Tim Waples, vice president and CEO of Doosan Industrial Vehicles UK Group Companies, has been appointed as the new president of the British Industrial Truck Association, formally receiving the badge of office at BITA's recent AGM.

Waples is no stranger to BITA, having previously been president from 2010 to 2012.

He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role - and with 30 years' experience, he has seen every aspect of the business.

Waples began his career as a mechanical engineering apprentice, and has risen to become vice president and CEO of Doosan Industrial Vehicle UK Group Companies, where he has overseen the acquisition of Rushlift Ltd.

He succeeds David Rowell as president, the only president in BITA's history to serve two consecutive terms. As well as playing a major role at European level, perhaps the major legacy of Rowell's time in office has been the BITA Academy, the first joint body for apprenticeships across the industry.

Waples says he is honoured to be asked to take up the post of president, especially for a second time. "I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor and all his hard work, and during my time in office, I will look to build on this work -particularly in the area of statistics, as BITA is the only official source of UK industrial trucks statistics.

"I'll also be looking to further develop the Oxford Economics Market report which I know so many members find invaluable to their planning and budgeting, as well as developing and strengthening our relationship with the FLTA. Add to this working with our apprentices and the development of technical policy means there is plenty for me to do in the year ahead."