Jens Ennen will lead engineering and innovation for Manitowoc Cranes as vice president of the segment.

The Manitowoc Co. last week announced that Jens Ennen is Manitowoc's new senior vice president of engineering and innovation and is responsible for further developing the culture of innovation and new technologies within Manitowoc Cranes.

In addition, Ennen will work with his team to improve processes and engineering best practices throughout the entire Cranes organization. He will work closely with regional executive vice presidents and global marketing to develop successful products that fulfill the needs of Manitowoc customers.

Ennen will report directly to Eric Etchart, president and general manager of Manitowoc Cranes.

“In addition to Jens’ advanced degrees in engineering, he has a strong focus on execution, excellent product knowledge and a good relationship with our customers,” Etchart said. “He is accomplished at driving product design initiatives and making a strong link with operations, quality and purchasing functions.”

Prior to his promotion, Ennen was director of engineering for mobile cranes. He has been with the Grove organization since 1996, working in various engineering and engineering management positions. Prior to joining Grove, he worked for Krupp.

Ennen will be based in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, until summer of 2012, when he and his family will relocate to Shady Grove, Pa.

The Manitowoc Co. is one of the world’s largest providers of lifting equipment for the global construction industry, including lattice-boom cranes, tower cranes, mobile telescopic cranes, and boom trucks.