CEA appoints new president

Construction Equipment Association (CEA) has appointed Rory Keogh as its new president of the UK trade association, which represents construction equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

Keogh has been the managing director of US manufacturer GOMACO International since 2007, overseeing all operations in its UK office.

Keogh will succeed Nigel Baseley as president, who is the former sales director of EAME Industrial Power Systems Division of Perkins Engines, and has held the role of president of CEA since 2014.

Keogh has been involved with the construction industry around the world his entire career, working as a service engineer and service supervisor in Europe, the Middle East, Algeria, Zambia and the UK.

He joined GOMACO International in 1984 as a product support engineer. He accepted a sales position in 1987 and managed the Middle East territory. Europe was later added to his portfolio, before Keogh was promoted to director of sales and marketing for the company in 2001.

Rob Oliver, chief executive at CEA, said, “Rory gives a great perspective on the International construction business. I know he has visited more than 60 countries in pursuit of sales and has done the hard yards on the exporting front line.

“At home I know he is very committed to the CEA Skills Initiative which is an important part of the CEA agenda.”

Oliver added that Keogh would bring his expertise in the concrete sector to the leadership of its association. He also said that the company was very much looking forward to working with Rory and welcoming him aboard as the incoming CEA president.

Keogh said that it was a privilege to be considered and voted for the role of CEA president, adding, “I take up my role at an exciting time with the new 2020 vision introduced by Nigel Baseley, the outgoing President.

“I will take up the baton and keep the pace by supporting new technologies and meeting client demands in what is a challenging industry. I am also hoping to bring my knowledge and 40 years’ experience of travelling the world and networking to the CEA membership.”