Yanmar taps Sgro to lead compact equipment division

Major players in the equipment manufacturing and distribution industries made key leadership changes over the past month. 

Sgro to lead Yanmar’s compact equipment business 

Yanmar Compact Equipment, a subsidiary of Japanese equipment manufacturer Yanmar, named Anna Christine Sgro president of Yanmar Compact Equipment North America effective immediately, according to an April 14 company release.  

Sgro was previously president of Reesink Canada Holdings, where she led growth strategies in agriculture, construction and other equipment sectors. She has also held leadership roles at Volvo Financial Services, Volvo Construction Equipment, Strongco Equipment and Ritchie Bros. 

Kioti taps Phillips as VP of operations  

Kioti Tractor promoted Tim Phillips to vice president of sales operations and hired Don Lowe as vice president of North American sales, the farm equipment manufacturer announced in an April 2 release. 

Phillips joined the company in 2003 and was most recently national sales manager. In his new role, he will use his knowledge of Kioti’s dealer network and sales operation to enhance efficiency. 

Meanwhile, Lowe will spearhead Kioti’s market expansion, working with the sales team to grow, improve customer engagement and strengthen the brand’s visibility. He previously held leadership positions at Kubota Tractor Corp.  

Malcolm named COO of Powerscreen in U.S.  

Molson Group, a United Kingdom-based heavy-equipment dealership, appointed Andy Malcolm as chief operating officer of its United States business, which includes the Powerscreen dealership chain, effective immediately, according to an April 9 company release. 

Malcolm will oversee operations at the four Powerscreen divisions in 13 states, to enhance efficiency and maximize profitability. The company sells industrial, construction and materials handling equipment. 

Malcolm was previously U.S. managing director at power plant solutions provider Clarke Energy. 

Cat, CNH, Komatsu announce executive shakeups  

Several other titans in the heavy-equipment industry shuffled their executive lineups this month, according to company releases.  

Caterpillar Chief Operating Officer Joseph E. Creed has been named the new chief executive officer, effective May 1. He will succeed James Umpleby III, who will step down after eight years as CEO and transition to executive chairman of the board. Creed also will join the board. 

CNH Industrial appointed James Nickolas its new chief financial officer, effective May 6. He will replace Oddone Incisa, who is leaving the company after 28 years. 

Komatsu America Chairman and CEO Rod Schrader stepped down on March 31 and is set to fully retire on June 30. Rod Bull, former executive vice president of Komatsu’s North America region, succeeded Schrader, effective April 1. 

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