Essex Names Nick Matthews CEO

March 19, 2014
Essex Rental Corp. recently named Nicholas Matthews, formerly chief operating officer, to the position of CEO replacing Ron Schad who resigned. Matthews will also serve as a director of the crane rental company.

Essex Rental Corp. recently named Nicholas Matthews, formerly chief operating officer, to the position of CEO replacing Ron Schad who resigned. Matthews will also serve as a director of the crane rental company.

“After an extensive search, we are confident that Nick is the right individual to lead the company given his proven experience at Essex and his keen focus on driving return on invested capital that he gained from his prior executive positions,” said Laurence Levy, chairman of the board.

Since joining Essex about nine months ago, Matthews has led a number of long-term key strategic initiatives such as:

  • Spearheading the decision to sell surplus equipment through the sealed bid auction sale process;

  • Refining the company’s go-to-market strategy relating to its parts and service segment;

  • Designing operational improvements focused on increasing utilization;

  • Leading an initiative aimed at improving the company’s quality;

  • Developing a more customer-centric service-oriented culture.

“I am focused on operational excellence and financial discipline in order to reposition the company for success,” said Matthews. “I am committed to driving success for the company by diversifying our products and services, repositioning the fleet by divesting underutilized rental assets and creating a differentiated value proposition for our customers.”

Based in Buffalo Grove, Ill., Essex Rental Corp. is No. 44 on the RER 100.