New IPAF president announced

The new president of IPAF has been confirmed as the federation’s AGM, which took place during the APEX & IRE exhibitions this morning.

Kai Schliephake, managing director of Germany-based rental company cooperative PartnerLift, was officially voted into the role, taking over from Karel Huijser, who is stepping down following the standard two-year term.

Peter Douglas, Julie Houston Smyth, Kai Schliephake and Pedro Torres.

Schliephake’s appointment means Pedro Torres, head of Alayan Rentals Iberia, now takes on the role of vice president, while Julie Houston Smyth, managing director of Ireland-based distributor Lolex becomes vice-chair of the federation.

Speaking at the AGM, Schliephake thanked Huijser, who becomes immediate past president, for his leadership and commitment both as president and his years on the IPAF board, and recognised IPAF’s most recent past president Karen Nars for her contribution, which has included the creation of the Women in Powered Access initiative.

He added, “IPAF has excellent members all around the world and we have a fantastic team of dedicated staff. Together we have a strong platform, a key purpose and a great responsibility to keep improving safety, training and professionalism in our industry.

Karel Huijser (right) congratulates Damien O’Connor.

“I’m very proud to take on this role and I’m looking forward to working with all of you.”

During the AGM, departing president Karel Huijser announced the winner of the President’s Award, which recognises a member of the IPAF team who has gone ‘above and beyond’ to further the cause of the federation. The award for 2026 went to Damien O’Connor, IPAF Irish Country Manager, who has delivered exceptional growth in the territory including doubling the number of trained operators to 10,0000.