New sales manager for Kobelco cranes

Kobelco has appointed Marc Dirkse as European sales and marketing manager for its Cranes Division. He is based in central Netherlands and replaces Jos Verhulst, who leaves the company after almost 31 years, with the majority of time spent as sales manager for Cranes.

At Kobelco, Dirkse will be responsible for developing and strengthening the manufacturer’s European crane sales and distribution network, particularly in continental Europe. The UK & Ireland are covered by Sam Clarke.

A key priority will be the expansion of the regional sales force to support the company’s plans for the wider European market. He will also work closely with dealers and customers to strengthen Kobelco’s market presence and brand awareness.

Dirkse joined the company earlier this year after four and a half years as business development manager for Fibremax crane ropes. He began his career in 1986 in a sales role with Liebherr Netherlands, becoming sales manager before moving to the deep foundation industry in 2000 with ICE vibratory /deep foundation hammers, where he was district manager for the Benelux region, the Middle East and the USA.

ICE merged with PVE to become Dieseko. After five years between the two entities, he moved to financial holding company Greenes Nederland, setting up his own business the following year as a green energy consultant. He ran that business for three years before being tempted back into the crane market as a sales manager with Terex/Demag, in 2019 the business was acquired by Tadano, and he remained on board with responsibility for the Netherlands, leaving for Fibremax in late 2021.

Kobelco said: “Marc’s comprehensive industry knowledge, combined with his hands-on commercial expertise and strong international network, will play a vital role in further strengthening Kobelco’s crane business in Europe.”