Australia-based heavy equipment rental company Emeco named Keith Gordon managing director and CEO, effective Dec. 1. Gordon replaces Laurie Freedman who announced his retirement in June.

Gordon joins Emeco after more than 10 years of senior leadership experience at Wesfarmers Limited, where most recently he was director, industrial divisions, taking responsibility for the group’s resources; chemicals and fertilizer; industrial and safety; and energy businesses.

“We feel [Gordon’s] leadership, corporate and industry experience are ideally suited to take Emeco into its next phase of development,” Emeco chairman Alec Brennan said. “Emeco has emerged from the recent global financial crisis in sound financial shape and with a strong market position. With the addition of Keith’s strategic capabilities and experienced leadership, the company is very well positioned to benefit from the anticipated recovery in Emeco’s end markets.”

“While the macroeconomic environment remains somewhat challenging, Emeco is an outstanding business with the people, product and financial strength to create value into the future,” Gordon said.

With divisions in the United States and Canada, Emeco is No. 42 on the RER 100.