New Manitou CEO and chairman of the board announced

Sylvain Blaise will take on the President & CEO role at the group with more than 25 years of international experience in the agricultural equipment and industrial vehicle sectors. He replaces Michel Denis, who was in the position for 12 years. 

Sylvain Blaise. (Image: Manitou).

After beginning his career at the Alfa-Laval Group, he spent over 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.

Blaise said, “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.”

He added that Manitou’s Lift 2030 strategic plan offers strong prospects the 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.”

Recognising Michel Denis’ years of service, a company spokesperson said, “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.”

New Chairman of the Board of Directors

Christopher Himsworth. (Image: Manitou).

Following the passing of Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Directors, this month, a new chair has been announced.

Christopher Himsworth will take over the role, having a Board Member and member of various Board committees since 2009. His primary aim will be to ensure the continuity of the family shareholders’ commitment to the group’s development.

Himsworth thanked Michel Denis, adding that Sylvain Blaise’s operational and strategic expertise will be instrumental in implementing the ambitions of the Lift programme.

“We are convinced that Sylvain Blaise will fully embrace this strategy to propel the group to new heights.”

Virginie Himsworth. (Image: Manitou).

In another appointment Virginie Himsworth has been co-opted into the role of Board Member, replacing Jacqueline Himsworth. Her provisional appointment will be submitted for ratification at the next General Meeting in June.

An osteopath, 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,” said the company.