Feb. 14, 2020 — Maxim Crane Works Holdings Inc., a leader in crane rental, has named Michael Kneeland as its new chairman of the board. Kneeland is the former non-executive chairman and CEO of United Rentals Inc.
Kneeland served as president and CEO of United Rentals from Aug. 2008 until March 2018, and as the CEO until May 2019. He led United Rentals through a period of significant growth and value creation.
Under his leadership, United Rentals grew revenues from $3.3 billion in 2008 to $8.0 billion in 2018, grew adjusted EBITDA from $1.1 billion in 2008 to $3.9 billion in 2018, and returned $2.9 billion of cash in the form of share buybacks from 2012, when it started the buybacks, to 2018. United Rentals' share price increased more than 700% while Kneeland's was CEO.
"Michael is a well-respected leader in the equipment rental industry and an incredibly savvy operator," said Larry Berg, the company's current chairman, who will step down from that position but remain on the board as a director. "Maxim will benefit greatly from his experience in navigating growth opportunities in our industry. The rest of the board and I are extremely excited to partner with Michael on this next leg of Maxim's journey."
"What Michael has accomplished at United Rentals is nothing short of remarkable," added Bryan Carlisle, Maxim's CEO. "He is one of the most experienced leaders in our industry, and I am looking forward to drawing upon his vast wealth of knowledge and best practices as we work together to build upon Maxim's success."
"I am thrilled to join and to chair the Maxim board," said Kneeland. "Maxim is an extraordinary organization with exceptionally talented people. As the market leader, Maxim is well suited to capitalize on the significant organic and inorganic growth opportunities ahead of it, with a proven ability to manage customer service and safety at scale. I am excited to partner with Bryan and Larry to help Maxim further its market leadership."
Kneeland had served United Rentals in various management roles for more than a decade before being its CEO. He joined the firm when it acquired Equipment Supply Company in 1998.
Before that, he had been president of Free State Industries, continuing as general manager of Free State after it was acquired by Equipment Supply Company. In all, Kneeland has more than 35 years of management experience in the equipment rental industry.
He has also served on the boards of numerous other corporations, including Brinks Home Security and America Tire Distributors.
