JLG sets the standard with an all-female team

Tjitske Van Hellemond, JLG Managing Director Commercial EMEAI. (PHOTO: JLG)

An all-female team is representing equipment manufacturer JLG at the 2023 IPAF Summit and IAPA Awards, which are currently taking place in Berlin, Germany.

The team of eight leading female staff members - who come from countries in Europe and North America, chose to attend the event to promote diversity and equity in the industry.

JLG’s Managing Director Commercial, Tjitske Van Hellemond, who is responsible for sales, distribution and services across the EMEAI region, is heading up the delegation. She was promoted to the role just three months ago as part of a major restructuring of the company, that aimed to embrace an entrepreneurial mindset and a “people first” culture.

“We believe that sending an all-female delegation is a powerful way to draw attention to the important themes of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging,” said Van Hellemond.

“We wanted to send a message that we’re not only celebrating the growing number of women in the access industry, but also sharing our goal to create a more inclusive workplace.”

Van Hellemond is joined by keynote speaker Jay Iyengar, JLG’s Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Strategic Sourcing Officer, and Emma McTague, Global Chief Human Resources Officer, who both work for the company’s US division. 

Neha Mittal, Senior Manager GPSC EMEAI and the Netherlands, Ute Schnalzger, Senior Sales Manager Rental in Germany, and Claire Pearson, Sales Director for the UK & Ireland, are also among the women paving the way for the manufacturer, as are Susanne Landstorfer, Event Planning and Marketing at Hinowa Italy, and Francesca Gorini, Service Manager for Italy.

According to JLG, its all-female presence at the events in Berlin demonstrates its support of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEI&B) in the workplace.

In recent years “JLG EMEAI has made significant strides towards a more inclusive workplace”. 

The company says women now hold 27% of the senior regional positions within JLG EMEAI, and that its leadership team now comprises 55% men and 45% women. It is now aiming to achieve a similar ratio in the commercial parts of the organisation.

“Although there is still some way to go, we are motivated by our progress so far and will continue to lead by example,” added Van Hellemond.

“By sending an all-female delegation to the IAPA in Berlin, we also hope to inspire other companies in the industry.”

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