Ontario, Canada
Palfinger North America Group has appointed James Hannah as group marketing and research manager. Hannah will oversee all marketing and market data-related activities undertaken in the North and Latin American market by the group's companies. Hannah joined Palfinger four years ago in the corporate development department where he focused 0n acquisitions and strategic projects.

Tokyo, Japan
Komatsu has appointed Yoshinori Komamura as executive vice president. He will also replace Masahiro Sakane as representative director of the board, starting in June 2010. Komamura is currently director and senior executive officer. Sakane, who is currently representative director and chairman of the board, has resigned after three years in the role. Some of Sakane's management duties will be transferred to the president and other members of the board.

Bryan Blankenship

Milford, CT, United States
Bryan Blankenship has been appointed vice president of vendor relations for Somerset Capital Group Ltd. He will develop long-term relationships with OEMs and dealers for materials handling equipment. Blankenship started his forklift career as a sales trainer in Danville, Illinois for Hyster Company. He has worked as the vice president of sales for Hoist Liftruck's west division and national account manager for Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America.