John Ball, group managing director of Ireland-based Height for Hire, was elected president of the International Powered Access Federation at its annual general meeting on April 15.

Ball succeeds Andrew Reid of SGB Mastclimbers. He will serve a two-year term and advance the objectives of the federation to promote the safe and effective use of powered access equipment around the world.

Addressing members at the IPAF Summit, Ball commended his two immediate predecessors, Andrew Reid and Pierre Saubot of the Haulotte Group, for the significant growth in membership and training in the past five years. He thanked Reid for the strategic decisions made during his term and for handing over the federation in a strong and healthy position.

“IPAF is in a crucial stage of global development,” said Ball. “In an industry which is not yet 40 years old, the future for IPAF is very bright.”

Ball announced that the next IPAF Summit will be held on April 2, 2009 in Dublin.

IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organization that promotes the safe and effective use of powered access equipment worldwide. Members include rental companies, manufacturers, distributors and equipment owners. More information is available at www.ipaf.org.

John Ball (right), group managing director of Height for Hire, Ireland, takes over as IPAF president from Andrew Reid (left). In the middle is IPAF managing director Tim Whiteman.