Konecranes Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Konecranes has 7 executives leading key functions including order management, technology procurement, sales operations, engineering applications, technical sales, industrial equipment, and project administration.

Driven by innovation, Konecranes provides productivity-enhancing lifting solutions and services for lifting equipment across manufacturing, process industries, shipyards, ports, and terminals, impacting global industrial efficiency.

Leadership Roles at Konecranes

  • President - Sakae Yoshida
  • President - Claude Asselin
  • Manager, Order Management and Chief Technology Officer Procurement - Melissa Laitasalo
  • Director, Sales Operations & Chief Technology Officer, Engineering Aplications Ie (North America) - Mark Perepeluk
  • Manager, Technical Sales Processes & Chief Technology Officer, Industrial Equipment Region (Americas) - John Sears
  • Chief Technology Officer & Project Administrator - Rebecca Fellure
  • Manager, Operations Planning & Chief Technology Officer - William Laskowski
  • Sakae Yoshida - President

    Sakae Yoshida, the President at Konecranes, provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the company's operations. This role involves overseeing all major business functions, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to enhance productivity for its customers in manufacturing, process industries, shipyards, ports, and terminals. Yoshida's leadership guides the development and execution of strategies aimed at expanding market reach and strengthening Konecranes' position as a global provider of lifting solutions and services. The President is responsible for fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence, driving the company's performance and long-term growth. Sakae Yoshida's vision shapes the company's trajectory, ensuring continued success in delivering high-quality lifting equipment and comprehensive service offerings worldwide. The President champions the company's commitment to customer success and technological advancement.

    Claude Asselin - President

    Claude Asselin, the President at Konecranes, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the company. This leadership position encompasses guiding Konecranes' diverse business segments, including manufacturing, process industries, shipyards, ports, and terminals, towards achieving their objectives. Asselin focuses on enhancing the company's global presence and solidifying its reputation for providing advanced lifting solutions and comprehensive services. The President is instrumental in driving initiatives that promote innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable growth across all regions. Claude Asselin's leadership ensures that Konecranes remains at the forefront of the lifting equipment industry, consistently delivering value to customers worldwide. The President's strategic oversight is critical to maintaining the company's competitive advantage and market leadership. Asselin drives the company's commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

    Melissa Laitasalo - Manager, Order Management and Chief Technology Officer Procurement

    Melissa Laitasalo, the Manager, Order Management and Chief Technology Officer Procurement at Konecranes, directs the critical processes for managing incoming orders, ensuring seamless integration with production and delivery schedules. This role involves optimizing the entire order lifecycle, from initial customer placement to final fulfillment, directly impacting customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. Laitasalo also oversees the procurement strategy for technology-related acquisitions, ensuring that Konecranes secures the necessary technological resources to maintain its competitive edge in lifting solutions. This dual focus requires a deep understanding of both logistical operations and the evolving technological landscape. Melissa Laitasalo's leadership ensures that order fulfillment is streamlined and that technology investments align with the company's strategic objectives for innovation and market leadership. The Manager, Order Management and Chief Technology Officer Procurement drives efficiency by implementing best practices in supply chain management and technology sourcing.

    Mark Perepeluk - Director, Sales Operations & Chief Technology Officer, Engineering Aplications Ie (North America)

    Mark Perepeluk, the Director, Sales Operations & Chief Technology Officer, Engineering Aplications Ie (North America) at Konecranes, spearheads sales operations across North America, optimizing processes to drive revenue growth and enhance customer engagement. This leadership position involves aligning sales strategies with market demands and ensuring the sales team possesses the tools and support necessary for success. Perepeluk also functions as the Chief Technology Officer for Engineering Applications within the region, overseeing the implementation and management of technology solutions that support engineering functions. This includes ensuring that engineering applications are robust, efficient, and contribute to the development of advanced lifting solutions. Mark Perepeluk's strategic oversight ensures that sales operations are highly effective and that engineering technology adoption accelerates product development and market responsiveness in North America. The Director, Sales Operations & Chief Technology Officer, Engineering Aplications Ie (North America) drives operational excellence and technological advancement.
    Mark Perepeluk

    John Sears - Manager, Technical Sales Processes & Chief Technology Officer, Industrial Equipment Region (Americas)

    John Sears, the Manager, Technical Sales Processes & Chief Technology Officer, Industrial Equipment Region (Americas) at Konecranes, manages the intricate technical sales processes across the Americas, ensuring that sales teams effectively communicate the value and capabilities of Konecranes' industrial equipment. This role demands a thorough understanding of product specifications and customer needs, translating complex technical details into compelling sales propositions. As Chief Technology Officer for Industrial Equipment in the region, Sears directs the integration and application of technology to enhance sales performance and product support. This involves leveraging digital tools and platforms to streamline customer interactions and provide superior technical assistance. John Sears's leadership ensures that technical sales strategies are optimized and that technology adoption supports the company's market presence in the Americas. The Manager, Technical Sales Processes & Chief Technology Officer, Industrial Equipment Region (Americas) drives sales effectiveness through technical expertise and strategic technology deployment.

    Rebecca Fellure - Chief Technology Officer & Project Administrator

    Rebecca Fellure, the Chief Technology Officer & Project Administrator at Konecranes, directs the strategic implementation of technology initiatives while simultaneously managing critical project administration functions. This dual responsibility ensures that technological advancements are not only conceived but also executed efficiently and within defined project parameters. Fellure oversees the technological roadmap, identifying opportunities to enhance Konecranes' lifting solutions and services through innovation. Concurrently, the project administration aspect involves meticulous planning, resource allocation, and progress monitoring for key company projects, ensuring timely and budget-conscious completion. Rebecca Fellure's leadership bridges the gap between technological vision and practical execution, driving forward projects that are essential for the company's growth and operational excellence. The Chief Technology Officer & Project Administrator ensures that technology drives project success and operational efficiency.

    William Laskowski - Manager, Operations Planning & Chief Technology Officer

    William Laskowski, the Manager, Operations Planning & Chief Technology Officer at Konecranes, orchestrates operational planning to optimize efficiency and resource allocation across the company's diverse business units. This involves developing strategic plans that align with market demands and ensure the smooth functioning of manufacturing and service operations. As Chief Technology Officer, Laskowski drives the adoption of cutting-edge technologies that enhance operational capabilities and support the development of advanced lifting solutions. This includes evaluating and implementing systems that improve productivity, reduce costs, and ensure the highest quality standards. William Laskowski's leadership ensures that operations are meticulously planned and technologically advanced, contributing significantly to Konecranes' competitive position. The Manager, Operations Planning & Chief Technology Officer drives operational excellence through strategic planning and technological innovation.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Konecranes Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Konecranes?
    Konecranes is led by Sakae Yoshida (President), along with executives such as Claude Asselin (President) and Melissa Laitasalo (Manager, Order Management and Chief Technology Officer Procurement).
    Who is part of Konecranes’s executive team?
    The executive team of Konecranes includes leaders such as Sakae Yoshida (President), Claude Asselin (President), Melissa Laitasalo (Manager, Order Management and Chief Technology Officer Procurement) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Konecranes have?
    Konecranes has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Konecranes’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Konecranes includes roles such as President, President, Manager, Order Management and Chief Technology Officer Procurement, Director, Sales Operations & Chief Technology Officer, Engineering Aplications Ie (North America), Manager, Technical Sales Processes & Chief Technology Officer, Industrial Equipment Region (Americas).