Even though it hasn't been a full first quarter yet, 2025 has seen multiple changes in construction industry leadership. Here is a roundup of the main promotions and recruitment.
Matt Humes, national account manager for demolition at Genesis Attachments.Genesis Attachments
Genesis Rehires Matt Hughes as Demolition National Account Manager
Genesis Attachments announced Matt Hughes has rejoined the company as its national account manager for demolition.
During Hughes' previous 12 years with Genesis, he forged many solid relationships with customers and dealers. His experience, product and application knowledge, and understanding of the demolition industry will allow for a smooth transition back into the company.
In this national account manager role, Hughes will be responsible for product and sales growth in the North American demolition segment, as well as for select scrap industry accounts.
Takeuchi-US Hires Product Manager and Accounts Manager
Takeuchi-US announced two new hires for Q1 2025 — Ian Aarsvold and Derek Koontz.
Ian Aarsvold is the new Southwest region product manager for Takeuchi-US. A current resident of Des Plaines, Ill., Aarsvold is relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth area during Q1 2025 as he takes on his new role.
As the Southwest region product manager (RPM), Aarsvold will be responsible for supporting Takeuchi’s dealer and national rental accounts within a multi-state territory. Aarsvold will also work with dealer sales teams and their customers to demonstrate, promote, and support Takeuchi’s compact equipment product line. He will collaborate with other associates to develop and implement new product roadmaps and discover new opportunities within the construction equipment market segment.
Ian Aarsvold, product manager - Southwest region at Takeuchi-US.Takeuchi-US
“I’m very excited to join Takeuchi, because time and time again, when I spoke to dealers about the company, they consistently mentioned Takeuchi’s outstanding equipment and support,” Aarsvold said. “My personal interactions with the Takeuchi team at industry events confirmed they are simply top-notch. As a new RPM, I’m looking forward to helping more customers discover the many benefits of Takeuchi equipment.”
A North Dakota native, Aarsvold holds a bachelor’s degree in general agriculture from North Dakota State University where he was also a member of the Agronomy Club. Aarsvold then worked on his family’s farm in Eastern North Dakota, operating and maintaining equipment.
Aarsvold transitioned into a role as a regional manager for the Association of Equipment Distributors (AED) in Chicago, where he was responsible for a territory of approximately 115 off-highway equipment distributors. There, Aarsvold allocated resources to best support dealer business growth through regular communication and in-person travel to dealer locations throughout his territory. He also led AED’s Emerging Leaders Council which consisted of around 50 future owners and executives of AED member organizations to create a valuable peer network.
“Ian is very passionate about making a positive impact in everything he does,” said Shay KIusmeyer, division sales manager for Takeuchi-US. “He offers a unique blend of agricultural expertise, business management skills, and the ability to quickly create and grow relationships. We’re very pleased to have Ian join the Takeuchi family, and we look forward to his accomplishments in the Southwest region.”
In addition, Takeuchi-US appointed Derek Koontz as its national accounts manager. Koontz will manage sales development and activity on existing national accounts as well as prospect for new accounts. Koontz will also be responsible for forecasting and achieving Takeuchi’s sales objectives in the U.S. and Canada.
“I’m really excited to join the Takeuchi-US team,” said Koontz. “I’ve enjoyed growing my sales management experience over the past 10 years, and I feel like my previous roles have prepared me well for this newest challenge. I’m looking forward to putting what I’ve learned to work for Takeuchi.”
Derek Koontz, national accounts manager at Takeuchi-US.Takeuchi-US
A resident of Wilmington, North Carolina, Koontz comes to Takeuchi from a previous role as a senior director of national accounts for a manufacturer of aerial work platforms. His other experience includes a tenure as vice president of sales for an industrial equipment dealer. Koontz holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
“Derek is a very focused and driven professional,” said Jeffrey Ratliff, director of sales and marketing for Takeuchi-US. “His ability to build relationships with both internal and external customers is a great fit for our national account manager role. Derek has also demonstrated a knack for introducing products and educating clients. His solution-oriented approach will be a true benefit to Takeuchi as we continue to grow in the U.S.”
CNH Announces Global Leadership Team Appointment
CNH Industrial announced the appointment of Luis Abreu as chief information officer (CIO). In this role, he joins the company’s Global Leadership Team (GLT).
Abreu brings over two decades of experience with CNH and its predecessor companies. He began his career in IT in 2005 at truck and bus manufacturer Iveco (now part of Iveco Group), subsequently assuming roles of increasing importance, and most recently serving as acting CIO.
“Luis's extensive global and regional expertise with our IT organization ideally positions him for this role. Since August 2024, he has demonstrated his leadership as Acting CIO, and we are confident in his ability to further advance our IT organization. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, he will continue to enhance our capabilities, benefiting both our internal operations and our customers,” said Gerrit Marx, chief executive officer at CNH.
CNH also announced a key leadership transition in its Human Resources function. Effective May 1, 2025, Francesco Tutino will assume the role of chief human resources officer (CHRO), joining the Company’s Global Leadership Team (GLT). His future base will be at the company’s North American headquarters in Oak Brook, Ill.
Tutino will succeed our current CHRO Kelly Manley, who after 20 years of dedicated service to CNH and previously with sister company Stellantis, will transition out of the organization.
Tutino has extensive experience across multinationals, leading HR organizations to support strategic business targets. He has notably served with CNH and subsequently with its sister company Iveco Group for over 10 years. He was most recently group chief HR & organization officer at Prysmian, a global cable solutions provider. Prior to this he was chief human resources and IT officer at Iveco Group. He began his career in HR with Thales Alenia Space, followed by roles of increasing responsibility with DENSO Thermal Systems from 2006 – 2012.
“On behalf of everyone at CNH, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Kelly Manley for her contributions. Under her leadership, which began as chief diversity & inclusion, sustainability, and transformation officer, and then in early 2024 as CHRO, the Company established a strong and cohesive culture, made progress on its sustainability commitments, and achieved key operational targets. In Francesco Tutino, we have a highly experienced and tenacious leader with a strong vision for HR. I look forward to working with him to execute this next chapter for CNH and deliver ever greater results for our people, our most valuable asset,” said Marx.
Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) Adds Duo of Technical Directors
The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) announced that Tino Kalayil, P.E., and Charles “Chuck” Rotondo have joined their growing Block Design Collective team as regional technical directors. The Block Design Collective, a visionary design assistance program, is a virtual destination where architects and engineers can access complimentary CMU design services.
Each region poses unique design challenges and climate considerations for builders. Kalayil and Rotondo will lead the assembly and activation of their localized team of design experts, ensuring individuals receive timely, tailored support.
“The addition of Tino and Chuck is a big milestone for the Block Design Collective,” said Riley Dvorak, CMC’s national design technical director. “They’re both natural problem solvers who understand the pressures designers are up against. Human connection still counts in our industry, and people will really appreciate each’s expertise and approachability.”
Kalayil will serve as the Technical Director for the Midwest (Region 3), while Rotondo will take on the same position for the Northeast (Region 1).
Kalayil received a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from Marquette University. He comes to CMC from a regional director position at Woodworks, an online community to facilitate collaboration among professionals using wood-building systems and technologies. Kalayil also spent time as an adjunct instructor at Marquette in their College of Engineering.
“Joining the Checkoff’s Block Design Collective is an opportunity to drive real change in how masonry is designed and utilized, pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating lasting value for the industry,” said Kalayil. “I’m devoted to the educational side of engineering. I think there’s a huge knowledge gap in the industry. Masonry is one of the most misunderstood materials with how long it’s been out there and the history. The opportunity to promote masonry to a new generation of engineers is where my passion lies.”
New Jersey native Charles Rotondo graduated from the University of Maryland with an accounting degree. Rotondo then joined the Carpenters Union, went through an apprenticeship program, and loved every minute spent on the jobsite. But sales became his true calling, eventually starting his own firm, Rotondo Products, working with architects, interior designers, building owners, homeowners, and contractors to select the appropriate products for projects in the New York City metropolitan area.
“Being part of a movement to promote concrete masonry to an audience in which I have deep ties is an exciting and meaningful challenge,” said Rotondo. “You can create beautiful buildings with block, as the Northeast is full of sparkling examples. This is truly a great industry, and I’m eager to help drive the Block Design Collective to its full potential.”
Stephen Barcuch, executive director of sales at Kubota Tractor Corporation.Kubota Tractor Corporation
Kubota Announces Executive Director of Sales
Kubota Tractor Corporation announced the promotion of Stephen Barcuch to executive director of sales, responsible for managing the company’s annual sales plan and dealer development organization. Barcuch has been with the company for 12 years and most recently served as senior director of Kubota’s Central Division, further building on his career in both field and corporate roles for Kubota, including product marketing director for compact, utility, and ag products as well as serving as a Kubota district manager. His promotion is effective Feb. 17, 2025.
“I am thrilled to announce this promotion because Steve’s diverse experience makes him the perfect choice to lead Kubota’s divisional sales teams and dealer development efforts,” said Alex Woods, senior vice president of sales, supply chain, and product support. “Steve has consistently demonstrated dedication and leadership in his various positions at Kubota, and his commitment to our company’s values has greatly contributed to our success. I’m confident that in his new role, he will continue to inspire those around him and drive his teams confidently into the future.”
Before joining Kubota, Stephen held sales and product management positions with AGCO Corporation for 16 years. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing at American Intercontinental University, and he earned the Roberto C. Goizueta Leadership Certificate from Emory Executive Education.
Paul Runge, territory sales manager at Thunder Creek Equipment.Thunder Creek Equipment
Thunder Creek Equipment Adds Sales Leader as New Territory Sales Manager
Thunder Creek Equipment has named Paul Runge as the new territory sales manager (TSM) for the southeastern United States, including Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina. Runge has spent nearly 20 years serving the region in a variety of service and sales roles for both multinational corporations and regional manufacturers with a focus on the Southeast.
“Paul started his career on the service side of the heavy off-road equipment industry before moving into additional training, management, and sales responsibilities,” said Larry Lea, vice president of sales at Thunder Creek Equipment. “He brings a rare combination of talents to the region for Thunder Creek that will help our sales partners and customers fully realize the advantages that Thunder Creek brings to the market – from efficiencies on the jobsite to the way that Thunder Creek fits uniquely in the equipment sales ecosystem.”
“The southeastern United States offers a diverse range of working environments, industries, and regional growth that uniquely positions Thunder Creek for success as businesses look for new ways to compete and get an edge,” said Runge. “I look forward to working with all of our partners in the region to showcase how Thunder Creek can transform fleet management and field service operations.”
DICA Announces Key Leadership Appointments
DICA announced Matt Sargent as chief financial officer and integrator and John “Pinky” Jansen as director of marketing.
“These additions to our leadership team mark an exciting new era for DICA,” said Kris Koberg, CEO of DICA. “As we continue to expand our product lines, our focus remains on delivering innovative ground support solutions for our customers. Matt and Pinky are strategically positioned to help DICA advance our capabilities and ensure we meet the safety and productivity needs of the industries we serve.”
Matt Sargent, chief financial officer and integrator at DICA.DICA
Sargent has a strong background in financial leadership, strategic planning, operational finance, and business integration. Before joining DICA, he served as CFO for multiple companies, managing large-scale financial operations, securing significant government incentives, and leading mergers and acquisitions. He collaborated with executive teams on strategic direction, resource allocation, and analysis of prospective investments. His proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management will be essential to DICA’s continued growth and customer support.
“The financial expertise and strategic foresight Matt brings to the table will be instrumental in driving efficiency and long-term success,” said Koberg. “His leadership will not only reinforce our financial foundation but also propel us toward future growth and innovation.”
John Jansen, director of marketing at DICA.DICA
Jansen brings extensive expertise in branding, omnichannel marketing, and strategic growth initiatives. He has successfully led marketing teams across the entertainment, B2B, and industrial sectors, developing data-driven strategies that enhance brand recognition and drive revenue. Since 2017, Jansen gained experience serving the crane and rigging industry through various roles at Industrial Training International where he helped drive brand growth and market expansion. Jansen’s past roles include spearheading digital advertising efforts that exponentially increased sales and launching innovative, industry-leading campaigns.
“Pinky’s broad industry insight and innovative mindset to marketing will be essential in improving the user experience and expanding our brand. His expertise in modern marketing strategies will strengthen our connection with customers in new and meaningful ways, ensuring DICA remains a trusted leader in engineered ground support solutions,” said Koberg.
