Columbus McKinnon Adds Kito Crosby Executives Following Acquisition

By Elias Schisgall

Columbus McKinnon is integrating Kito Crosby executives into its leadership team following the close of its acquisition of the company from KKR.

The lifting and motion control services company said Wednesday that Yoshio Kito, who oversaw Asia Pacific operations for Kito Crosby, and Wim Fabricius, who led Kito Crosby in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, would continue as regional presidents for the combined business.

They will join Appal Chintapalli, who serves as president of the Americas for Colombus McKinnon.

Jon Backes, president of Kito's lifting-hardware business in the Americas, and Carlo Lonardi, president of the hoist & cranes business, will continue in their roles at Columbus McKinnon, reporting to Chintapalli.

Columbus McKinnon Chief Executive David Wilson and Chief Financial Officer Gregory Rustowicz will continue in their roles.

"These business leaders will be complemented by an exceptional set of functional leaders from both Kito Crosby and Columbus McKinnon who will round out the executive leadership team," Columbus McKinnon said.

The company did not say whether other top Kito Crosby executives, including Chief Executive Robert Desel and Chief Financial Officer Brock Hancock, would be joining Columbus McKinnon leadership.

Columbus McKinnon also expanded its board of directors to 12 members, up from nine, adding Michael Lamach, Nate Sleeper and Andrew Campelli to the board.

The Kito Crosby acquisition was completed Wednesday. It was first announced last February.

Write to Elias Schisgall at elias.schisgall@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 04, 2026 09:28 ET (14:28 GMT)