The Board of Directors of Manitou BF met recently to decide on changes to the group's governance. Building on its family heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and operational strength, these decisions project the group toward the deployment of its LIFT 2030 strategic roadmap.
The Board of Directors wished to honour the memory of Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors, who passed away on April 11, and whose values, commitment, and vision contributed so greatly to the group's development.
The Board of Directors warmly thanks Michel Denis and congratulates him, as well as his teams, for the work accomplished and the remarkable growth and performance over the past twelve years, which have strengthened Manitou Group’s position as a recognized global leader. The Board reaffirms its confidence in Michel Denis as he completes his term until the next General Meeting. With an experienced Executive Committee and a solid strategy, the group is well-positioned for sustainable growth prospects driven by its 6,100 employees, its products, technologies, services, dealer network, and customers.
Appointment of Sylvain Blaise as future President & CEO of Manitou Group
An agronomist by training and a graduate of AgroSup Dijon, Sylvain Blaise, 53, has over 25 years of international experience in the agricultural equipment and industrial vehicle sectors. After beginning his career at the Alfa-Laval Group, he spent more than 20 years in strategic and operational leadership roles within CNH Industrial and Iveco Group. He notably led the global activities for the Tractor product line for the Case IH and Steyr brands, before being appointed President of the Bus Division (Iveco Bus and Heuliez). Most recently, he served as President of the Powertrain Division (FPT Industrial) and was a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Iveco Group, where he spearheaded major commercial, technological, and industrial transformations. His leadership and extensive experience will be invaluable assets in leading the group toward its new ambitions.
Sylvain Blaise, future President & CEO, added: “I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their trust, and it is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I join Manitou Group. Its global stature, family roots, long-term and responsible vision, as well as its leading market position, are all remarkable strengths. Aware of the value of this heritage, I will be fully committed to making it thrive. The ambitions of the LIFT 2030 strategic plan already offer strong prospects for growth, transformation, and innovation, which are particularly unifying for the entire group. My immediate priority will be to build bonds of trust with our 6,100 employees, our dealers, our customers, and our partners to strengthen our international leadership and pursue our mission: set the world in motion.”
Appointment of Christopher Himsworth as Chairman of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Christopher Himsworth as Chairman of the Board of Directors. In accordance with the company's bylaws, his term is set until June 24, 2026, the eve of the next General Meeting. This transition period will allow the reference shareholders to adapt their governance following the very recent passing of Mr. Marcel Braud and Mrs. Jacqueline Himsworth. Christopher Himsworth, 54, has been a Board Member and a member of various Board committees since 2009. In this context, his primary mission will be to ensure the continuity of the family shareholders' commitment to the group's development.
Christopher Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated: “The term of Michel Denis as President & CEO, whom we warmly thank for his commitment, will end following the next General Meeting on June 25, 2026. To succeed him, the Board of Directors has appointed Sylvain Blaise as CEO of the group effective June 30, 2026. His operational and strategic expertise and his international background will be instrumental in implementing the ambitions of our LIFT 2030 strategic roadmap. We are convinced that Sylvain Blaise will fully embrace this strategy to propel the group to new heights.”
Co-optation of Mrs. Virginie Himsworth as Board Member
The Board of Directors has co-opted Mrs. Virginie Himsworth as a Board Member, replacing Mrs. Jacqueline Himsworth. Her provisional appointment will be submitted for ratification at the next General Meeting. An osteopath, Mrs. Virginie Himsworth received certification from the French Institute of Directors (IFA) at the end of 2025. Deeply attached to the human and entrepreneurial values of the group, she expressed her desire to carry on the family’s work by actively contributing to the company's long-term sustainability. Her arrival on the Board reflects her commitment to making the Manitou Group heritage thrive while determinedly supporting its future challenges.
Announcement of the next General Meeting date
The Board of Directors has set June 25, 2026, as the date for the Annual General Meeting, which will approve the financial statements for the 2025 fiscal year.