IPAF appoints a new country representative for Switzerland

A new representative to assist the International Powered Access Federation’s (IPAF) Swiss members has been appointed, with Roger Grossniklaus taking up the post as Switzerland Regional Manager in June.  

Based in the Lausanne region, Roger is no stranger to the powered access industry, having most recently been the Managing Director of Loxam Switzerland since 2019. Before that he worked in a variety of roles in both Switzerland and the UK for Matisa, a manufacturer of specialist rail track maintenance equipment, since making a career move from infrastructure and civil engineering in 2005.  

Romina Vanzi, IPAF’s Head of Regional Development, says: “Switzerland is one of IPAF’s core locations, with a very diverse and engaged membership. This year marks IPAF Switzerland’s 18th anniversary. IPAF is very pleased to be able to announce the appointment of someone so experienced and well-known in our industry to this key role.  

“Roger will initially shadow Christine Lell in the role and will take over full responsibility when Christine retires later this year; we look forward to developing IPAF’s agenda together in Switzerland and we all wish Roger a very warm welcome aboard. We also express our thanks for the work that Christine has done for IPAF over many years and we are pleased that she may now begin to start planning for life after retirement!”  

Roger says: “As a civil engineer by qualification, I was drawn to the commercial application of technical science, which led me into a very fulfilling career in a variety of commercial and managerial roles at equipment manufacturers, and most recently with one of Europe’s leading equipment rental companies.  

“When I heard of the upcoming vacancy of the Swiss Representative for IPAF, I was immediately interested, as the promotion of workplace safety is something I’ve always been passionate about. I very much look forward to working with Christine Lell over the next few months before she retires later this year, and it is already very clear that there will be exciting opportunities ahead.  

“I look forward to meeting Swiss members to hear their views on the benefits of being IPAF membership and learning ways we can increase our offer to them and continue to build engagement across the powered access industry in this country.” 

Peter Douglas, CEO & Managing Director of IPAF, says: “Roger joins us as we mark a key milestone in the history of the federation, celebrating 18 years of IPAF Switzerland. I am sure his energy and experience will be of huge value as we place renewed emphasis on digitalisation and improving our training offer for not only our members that deliver training, but also the operators and end-users who benefit from it. Switzerland is a key market for IPAF, and we are focused on listening to our members to deliver the high standards in terms of quality and safety that they always demand.”