Columbus McKinnon Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Columbus McKinnon has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, finance, human resources, and regional operations.

Driven by precision engineering, Columbus McKinnon delivers innovative industrial solutions, serving as a trusted partner across diverse global industries with a commitment to manufacturing excellence.

Leadership Roles at Columbus McKinnon

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - David Wilson
  • Executive VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer - Gregory Rustowicz
  • Chief Financial Officer (Americas) - Wesley Micke
  • President, Asia Pacific - Yoshio Kito
  • President, Lifting Hardware (Americas) - John Backes
  • Hoists & Cranes President (Americas) - Carlo Lonardi
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Melissa Ruths
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Adrienne Williams
  • David Wilson - President & Chief Executive Officer

    David Wilson, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Columbus McKinnon, directs the company's overarching strategy and global operations. Overseeing all business units, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures alignment with the core mission of delivering precision engineering and innovative industrial solutions. This leadership role involves driving market expansion and maintaining the company's reputation as a trusted partner across various industrial sectors. By optimizing production processes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, David Wilson directly impacts the company's growth and financial performance. Ultimately, Wilson secures long-term stability and enhances CMCO's position in the global manufacturing landscape.
    David Wilson

    Gregory Rustowicz - Executive VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer

    Gregory Rustowicz, the Executive VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at Columbus McKinnon, manages the company's financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. Overseeing all financial departments, the Executive VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures robust financial health and drives profitable growth across global markets. This critical role involves managing capital allocation, investor relations, and financial risk mitigation. By implementing sound financial policies and driving operational efficiencies, Gregory Rustowicz directly supports the company's long-term sustainability and expansion initiatives. Ultimately, Rustowicz safeguards the company's assets and optimizes financial performance to meet strategic objectives.

    Wesley Micke - Chief Financial Officer (Americas)

    Wesley Micke, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas) at Columbus McKinnon, spearheads financial strategy and oversight for the Americas region. Directing all financial activities within North and South America, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas) ensures fiscal discipline and supports regional business objectives. This position involves managing budgets, financial reporting, and driving cost-optimization initiatives across the Americas. By providing critical financial insights and analysis, Wesley Micke directly influences regional profitability and operational effectiveness. Ultimately, Micke strengthens CMCO's financial foundation in the Americas, contributing to overall corporate financial health.

    Yoshio Kito - President, Asia Pacific

    Yoshio Kito, the President, Asia Pacific at Columbus McKinnon, directs the company's strategic initiatives and operational execution across the Asia Pacific region. Overseeing all business functions within this key geographic market, the President, Asia Pacific ensures alignment with global objectives and drives regional growth. This leadership position involves expanding market presence and strengthening customer relationships throughout Asia. By tailoring CMCO's innovative industrial solutions to local market demands, Yoshio Kito directly contributes to the company's international success. Ultimately, Kito solidifies CMCO's position as a trusted manufacturing partner in the dynamic Asia Pacific landscape.

    John Backes - President, Lifting Hardware (Americas)

    John Backes, the President, Lifting Hardware (Americas) at Columbus McKinnon, leads the strategic direction and operational performance of the lifting hardware division within the Americas. Directing all aspects of this critical business segment, the President, Lifting Hardware (Americas) ensures the delivery of high-quality, precision-engineered products to customers across North and South America. This role involves driving innovation in lifting solutions and optimizing supply chain logistics to meet market demands. By enhancing product offerings and expanding market reach, John Backes directly contributes to CMCO's revenue and market share in the Americas. Ultimately, Backes strengthens CMCO's leadership in providing essential lifting hardware solutions.
    John Backes

    Carlo Lonardi - Hoists & Cranes President (Americas)

    Carlo Lonardi, the Hoists & Cranes President (Americas) at Columbus McKinnon, spearheads the strategic vision and operational execution for the hoists and cranes business unit throughout the Americas. Overseeing all facets of this division, the Hoists & Cranes President (Americas) ensures the delivery of advanced manufacturing solutions and maintains CMCO's commitment to excellence. This leadership role focuses on driving product innovation, expanding market penetration, and fostering strong customer partnerships within the Americas. By optimizing production and distribution channels, Carlo Lonardi directly enhances CMCO's competitive edge in the hoists and cranes market. Ultimately, Lonardi reinforces CMCO's reputation for providing reliable and sophisticated industrial equipment.

    Melissa Ruths - Chief Marketing Officer

    Melissa Ruths, the Chief Marketing Officer at Columbus McKinnon, architects the global marketing strategy and brand positioning. Overseeing all promotional activities and market research initiatives, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that CMCO's innovative industrial solutions reach target industries effectively. This leadership position involves driving demand generation and enhancing customer engagement across diverse sectors. By developing compelling campaigns and analyzing market trends, Melissa Ruths directly contributes to the company's revenue growth and market penetration. Ultimately, Ruths strengthens CMCO's brand equity and solidifies its standing as a leader in precision engineering.
    Melissa Ruths

    Adrienne Williams - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Adrienne Williams, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Columbus McKinnon, leads the global human capital strategy and organizational development. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, and compensation programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer cultivates a high-performance culture aligned with CMCO's mission. This role is pivotal in attracting, retaining, and developing the skilled workforce essential for precision engineering and innovation. By implementing strategic HR initiatives and fostering employee engagement, Adrienne Williams directly enhances operational capacity and supports business growth. Ultimately, Williams ensures CMCO possesses the talent necessary to maintain its leadership in industrial solutions.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Columbus McKinnon Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Columbus McKinnon?
    Columbus McKinnon is led by David Wilson (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Gregory Rustowicz (Executive VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer) and Wesley Micke (Chief Financial Officer (Americas)).
    Who is part of Columbus McKinnon’s executive team?
    The executive team of Columbus McKinnon includes leaders such as David Wilson (President & Chief Executive Officer), Gregory Rustowicz (Executive VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer), Wesley Micke (Chief Financial Officer (Americas)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Columbus McKinnon have?
    Columbus McKinnon has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Columbus McKinnon’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Columbus McKinnon includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Executive VP, Finance & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Americas), President, Asia Pacific, President, Lifting Hardware (Americas).