New regional director for Axel Johnson International’s Lifting Solutions business group

Axel Johnson International’s Lifting Solutions business group has appointed Kevin Smith as Regional Director of South Europe, effective July 1, following the retirement of Peter Keith. 

Smith succeeds Peter Keith, adding to his present tasks as Regional Director North Sea, but resigning from his role as managing director of Certex UK, also effective July 1. Smith will in this role continue to report to Ralf Wiberg, Manging Director of Lifting Solution, Axel Johnson International.

Smith brings extensive knowledge and experience within the lifting and steel wire rope market from his approximately 30 years in the industry. He entered the industry from Bridon and from there moved to CERTEX UK before the company was sold to Axel Johnson International. In addition to his current roles, Smith is also a Director at LEEA (Lifting Equipment Engineers Association).

“Kevin will be valuable resource in his new role due to his know-how and previous experience as a regional director,” says Ralf Wiberg, Managing Director of Lifting Solutions, Axel Johnson International. “We are also convinced that his extensive knowledge from the offshore industry will benefit our companies in France and Spain.”

After a long and distinguished career, shaping the wire rope industry for more than 40 years, Keith has decided to retire from his positions as Regional Director South Europe and Business Development Director on July 1.

“Peter has had a central role in the wire rope and lifting industry in Europe and is well known and respected for his contribution among suppliers, competitors and customers in this business,” Wiberg says. “We will continue to tap into his experience after his retirement in some special projects.”

Viktor Skargren
Head of Communication / Project Manager Strategy and M&A
viktor.skargren@axinter.com

Axel Johnson International is a privately owned Swedish industrial group of more than 100 companies in 25 countries, with combined annual sales of EUR 790 million. We drive business development and growth through a long-term approach to ownership in strategic niche markets, primarily technical components and solutions for industrial processes. Axel Johnson International is organised in four business groups: Fluid Handling Solutions, Industrial Solutions, Lifting Solutions and Transport Solutions.

www.axinter.com