Jacqueline Himsworth, Manitou board chair, passes away

Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Manitou Group, has passed away at the age of 82.

Himsworth, who had been Chair since 2017, was described by CEO Michel Denis as a person of “vision, commitment, foresight, and kindness.”

Her passing comes just two months after the loss of her brother, Marcel Braud, honorary Chairman of Manitou and founder of its forklift truck.

Himsworth was just 13 months old when her father died in 1944. Manitou said it was through the example of her mother, Andrée Braud, who decided to pursue her late husband’s project to manufacture cranes and concrete mixers, that Jacqueline Himsworth drew her strength of character and determination.

Jacqueline Himsworth was Chair of the Board of Directors, Manitou Group. (Image: Manitou).

A graduate of ESSCA business school in Angers, France, Himsworth led two careers simultaneously. She successfully managed several companies, notably Braud Nutrition Animale in Ancenis, of which she remained the leading figure until its sale.

She invested, alongside her brother Marcel Braud, in the company Braud & Faucheux, which became Manitou BF in 1981.

As shareholder and administrator, she worked to elevate the family business to a worldwide group.

“Jacqueline Himsworth carried within her this wisdom combined with absolute conviction,” said Michel Denis, President & CEO.

“She constantly reminded us that we could conquer the world without ever forgetting our values and our commitment to the men and women who make up the group today.

“Her vision, commitment, foresight, and kindness will remain at the heart of our culture. Jacqueline Himsworth passes away leaving a solid group, supported by a generational transition already actively engaged in the company’s governance to ensure its sustainability.”

Leading as chair of the board 

After divesting the Braud Nutrition Animale business, she devoted her time to the Board of Directors of Manitou Group, taking over as Chiar in 2017. Manitou said she took a balanced approach, ensuring the preservation of the company’s DNA while combining technological innovation with a human-centric approach.

Manitou said she had a long-term vision and drove the changes necessary for the group’s resilience and sustainability. She supported the emergence of the next generation within the Board, ensuring the continuity of the family legacy and the stability of the group.