Ledger to retire from Kimberly

Ray Ledger, executive chairman of UK-access equipment rental company Kimberly Group, will retire at Christmas.

Mr Ledger has had a 46 year career in the UK and international rental industry having held senior roles with Hewden Stuart, Scott Greenham, BET Plant Services, Longville group and latterly the Kimberly group.

Steve Harrison, who represents Kimberly’s private equity investors, will assume the role of non-executive chairman, with Geraldine Unsworth moving up from group managing director to chief executive.

To further strengthen the group’s board Janet Ault, a highly experienced health and safety manager, has been appointed group HSE director. A head of engineering and product development will be appointed early in 2014.

After retirement Ray will act in a consultancy and advisory role to the company and will continue to have close involvement in the ongoing Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into a fatal accident involving a Terex AWP Genie Z-135/70 at Kimberly's west London depot in June this year.

Talking to AI, Mr Ledger said, “I have had 46 great years and had the opportunity to work with some great companies. I am nearly 66 and feel that it is time to step aside. I will remain a consultant for at least a year, and will be actively involved in the HSE investigation - I certainly won’t walk away from that.”

Mr Ledger added that he was leaving behind a great business, “managed by a very capable and dedicated team who will take Kimberly on to the next exciting stages of development.”