Rental ‘part of the solution’ to economic challenges, says ERA president

Stéphane Henon, president of the European Rental Association, painted a positive picture of the future of equipment rental during the association’s 20th convention in Maastrciht.

Opening the convention in Maastricht, he acknowledged the uncertainties and challenges of the current environment, including conflict in the Middle East, rising energy costs and the risk of economic stagflation.

“[These are] all challenges that could undermine the anticipated recovery of the construction sector. Hence, today, we meet in a rapidly changing environment. At the same time, expectations around sustainability, efficiency and digitalization continue to grow.

Stéphane Henon, ERA president, opens the 2026 ERA Convention in Maastricht. (Image: KHL Group)

“Yet these challenges also underline something very important. Equipment rental is part of the solution. By enabling more flexible access to equipment, improving asset utilization, and supporting more sustainable practices, our industry plays a key role in helping customers adapt to change.

“This is exactly where ERA must continue to position itself.”

New strategic plan

Henon, who is also president of Loxam, said the ERA’s new board - listed below - had created a new strategic plan for the association to adapt to the changing market.

“This plan is not just a document, it is a clear roadmap for how ERA will strengthen its role as the voice of the rental industry in Europe, support members in a more complex and competitive environment, and ensure that rental is fully recognized as a key contributor to a more sustainable and efficient economy.”

The new plan will have four pillars: sustainability, people, technology and promotion of rental.

“Rental is by nature a circular business model, but expectations are rising and regulation is evolving quickly. ERA will continue to support its members with tools, best practices, and a strong voice towards European institutions, ensuring that sustainability is both ambitious and realistic”, said Henon.

ERA is creating a new working committee dedicated to people, “Through this committee, ERA will provide a structured platform for sharing best practices, supporting our members, and better understanding the full ecosystem of people around our industry in responding to one of our sector’s most strategic challenges.”

He said the new plan reflected an ambition not to react to change, “but to anticipate it and to make sure that rental is visible, understood, and recognized as part of the solution.”

Henon also celebrated the achievement of the association reaching its 20th year; “This year is a very special milestone for us as we are celebrating 20 years of the European Rental Association.

“Over the past two decades, ERA has grown into a strong and recognized voice for the equipment rental industry in Europe and beyond. This is thanks to all of you, our members, company, national Associations partners, and the many experts involved in our committees and working groups.”

ERA celebrated its 20th anniversary at the 2026 Convention in Maastricht. (Image: KHL Group)

The new board

The ERA’s new board comprises:

• Stéphane Henon (Loxam), president
• Kari Aulasmaa (Renta Group), vice president
• Jose Blanco (ASEAMAC), vice president
• Frank Seidler (HKL Baumaschinen), vice president
• Olivier Colleau (Kiloutou), vice president
• Vincent Albasini (Alayan), vice president
• Phil Parker (Sunbelt Rentals UK & Ireland), vice president & treasurer