Tim Waples has been appointed as the new president of the British Industrial Truck Association, formally receiving the badge of office at BITA’s recent AGM.
Waples is no stranger to BITA, having previously been president from 2010-12 and he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role with 30 years’ experience of the business.
He began his career as a mechanical engineering apprentice, and has risen to become vice president and CEO of Doosan Industrial Vehicle UK Group Companies, where he has overseen the acquisition of Rushlift. He succeeds David Rowell as BITA President, the only president in its history to serve two consecutive terms. As well as playing a major role at European level, perhaps the major legacy of Rowell’s time in office has been the BITA Academy the first time there has been a joint body for apprenticeships across the industry.
Commenting on his appointment Waples said, “It is a real honor to be asked to take up the post of president, especially for a second time. I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor and all his hard work, and during my time in office I will look to build on this work particularly in the area of statistics, as BITA is the only official source of UK industrial trucks statistics.
“I’ll also be looking to further develop the Oxford Economics Market report, which I know so many members find invaluable to their planning and budgeting, as well as developing and strengthening our relationship with the FLTA. Add to this working with our apprentices, and the development of technical policy means there is plenty for me to do in the year ahead.”
James Clark, secretary general of BITA, said, “Tim is a prime example of how, for anyone committed and prepared to work hard, a career in the materials handling industry can provide a pathway to senior management. I would like to welcome him as president and say how much I am looking forward to working with him again.”
