Genie's Roger Brown to retire at end of year

Mr Brown, alongside Ward Bushnell and Bob Wilkerson, was at the forefront of developing Genie industries into what is now one of the world's top aerial platform brands. Mr Brown's focus was on developing Genie's North America market, where he is acknowledged as a key figure in the development of the aerial platform and rental industries.

After his final day at the company on 31 December 2009, Mr Brown's responsibilities will be taken over by Joe George, vice president of global sales for Terex AWP.

"Roger is an icon in the aerial industry and has engendered a feeling of respect among those he worked alongside and led," said Tim Ford, president, Terex AWP. "This feeling not only permeated Genie for decades, but extended out into the entire rental industry.

"I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Roger for all that he has done for our organisation. He provided true value and helped customers to grow their businesses and will be greatly missed internally as well as throughout the industry. But we will build upon his legacy and will be stronger for it."

When Mr Brown and his two partners started at Genie over three decades ago it was a small manufacturer of aluminum products. At the peak of industry demand in 2008, Genie Industries employed more than 5800 people.