New group CEO at the Bell helm
THE beginning of the new year will bring some changes to top management at Bell Equipment as a new group CEO is set to take the reins.
The heavy machinery manufacturer has officially appointed Ashley Jon Bell, the grandson of the company's founder Irvine Bell.
Ashley (41) steps in following the resignation of outgoing CEO Leon Goosen, who vacates the position at the end of this month after 16 years of service with five and a half spent at the helm.
The newly-appointed chief executive, who has been a non-executive director on the board since March 2015, is a qualified commercial helicopter pilot and holds a degree in business management.
He previously worked for Bell Equipment after graduating in 2007, assisting with product marketing management of the Bell Articulated Dump Truck and Backhoe
Loader ranges.
Working alongside his brother Justin Bell, he co-founded Matriarch Equipment in 2009.
The company focused on developing innovative equipment for a wide spectrum of industries, and enjoyed notable success in agriculture and forestry.
“I am fortunate to have grown up in an environment where Bell Equipment has been a central theme, and I am both honoured and excited to step up as group CEO,” said Ashley.
The appointment was welcomed by Bell’s non-executive chairman, Gary Bell, who said Ashley ‘represents the third generation of the Bell family actively engaged in the business’.
“It’s heartening to see the next generation stepping up to play an integral role in the future of the company,” said Gary.
“Having worked closely with Ashley for several years, he has all the personality traits and credentials we need, is well aligned with the board’s strategy, and is a good fit to lead our experienced management team.”