Leading Executives in Industrial Rigging
Robert Desel
Chief Executive Officer, Kito Crosby
CEO who led the post-merger integration of The Crosby Group and KITO Corporation to form Kito Crosby (2023) and continues to steer the brand’s global growth; cited by Columbus McKinnon in its February 10, 2025 agreement to acquire Kito Crosby.
David J. Wilson
President & Chief Executive Officer, Columbus McKinnon Corporation
President & CEO driving CMCO’s transformation to “intelligent motion solutions” and architect of the definitive agreement announced February 10, 2025 to acquire Kito Crosby for $2.7B.
Hendrik Kok
Chief Executive Officer, Royal Van Beest Group (Green Pin, Irizar Forge, Heuer Hebetechnik, Sling Supply Intl.)
CEO who led the century-old Dutch rigging manufacturer to be granted the Royal designation in 2022 and continues expanding its premium below-the-hook portfolio.
Dr. Jörg S. Rieger
Managing Director (Geschäftsführer), RUD Ketten Rieger & Dietz GmbH u. Co. KG (RUD Group)
Managing Director of the family-owned RUD Group, known for pioneering Grade 120 ICE lifting chains and high-spec lifting points used worldwide.
Steven Hong
Chairman (also referenced as President), YOKE Industrial Corp.
Chairman credited with digitizing lifting component traceability (Digital Product Passports), automating manufacturing, and earning LEEA-accredited training status for YOKE.
George Kosidowski
President, Peerless (a Kito Crosby brand)
President who oversaw a multi‑million‑dollar investment in Peerless’ Winona, Minnesota flagship plant—adding advanced continuous plating to improve chain quality and service.
Carlo Lonardi
President, Americas Hoist & Crane (Kito Crosby), Harrington Hoists (Kito Crosby Americas Hoist & Crane)
Longtime Harrington leader now serving as President, Americas Hoist & Crane at Kito Crosby; recognized for streamlining Americas operations and product delivery.
website | Kito Crosby Leadership
Doug Stitt
President & Chief Executive Officer, The Caldwell Group (incl. Renfroe clamps)
President & CEO who expanded Caldwell’s below‑the‑hook offerings (including Renfroe clamps) and marked the company’s 70th anniversary with continued product innovation.
Harold King
Chief Executive Officer, Bishop Lifting
CEO leading an aggressive buy‑and‑build strategy—backed by Altamont Capital Partners—to expand one of North America’s largest rigging, slings, and fall‑protection providers.
Chris Chrisafides
Chief Executive Officer, Slingmax Group (Slingmax Rigging Solutions, Yale Cordage, I&I Sling)
CEO appointed in 2025 to unite Slingmax Rigging Solutions, Yale Cordage, and I&I Sling—creating a scaled platform in advanced synthetic slings, rigging, and rope systems.
Tony Mazzella
Chief Executive Officer, Mazzella Companies
Second‑generation CEO who built one of the largest independent U.S. lifting and rigging businesses—spanning rigging, overhead cranes, inspection/training, and metals.
Christian Rheault
President & Chief Executive Officer, Samson Rope Technologies
President & CEO leading the high‑performance synthetic rope pioneer (e.g., HMPE/Technora solutions) as it expands support for industrial, marine, and lifting markets.
Michael Alan Howard
Chief Executive Officer, William Hackett (Lifting Products & Chain Products)
CEO named on Companies House filings overseeing growth through UK manufacturing and bolt/shackle forging capability expansions.
website | Companies House (UK)
Pete Ward
Managing Director, SpanSet (UK)
Managing Director advancing SpanSet UK’s lifting and height‑safety solutions, including RFID‑enabled inspection software partnerships (CoreRFID) and major PPE contracts.
Kris Koberg
Chief Executive Officer, DICA
CEO and industry safety advocate who chairs SC&RA’s Outrigger Mat Resource Task Force and has expanded engineered outrigger pad, crane pad, and sling protection lines.
Steve Napieralski
President & Chief Executive Officer, OZ Lifting Products
Founder/CEO who built a North American davit crane and hoist brand—celebrating 20 years with a new 40,000‑sq‑ft facility and a growing catalog of corrosion‑resistant hoists.
Mark Cleland
President, Hydra‑Slide Ltd.
President of the Canadian maker of hydraulic skidding systems and synchronous power packs used by rigging contractors for heavy, low‑headroom moves worldwide.
Alan Barnhart
Chief Executive Officer (2025), Barnhart Crane & Rigging
Longtime chief executive credited with scaling Barnhart to 70+ North American locations; in 2025 began a leadership transition to a new president while remaining CEO through most of the year.
Tony Fiscelli
President (North America), LGH (Lifting Gear Hire) North America
North America president driving LGH’s growth to 24+ warehouses and a unified global brand for rental of hoisting, jacking, and rigging gear.
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