Maxim Crane Works Holdings, Inc., a leader in the crane rental sector, announced Michael Kneeland, the non-executive Chairman and former CEO of United Rentals, Inc., has been appointed as the new Chairman of Maxim.

Kneeland served as the President and CEO of United Rentals from August 2008 until March 2018, and as the CEO until May 2019, leading United Rentals through a period of significant growth and value creation. Under his leadership, United Rentals grew its revenues from $3.3 billion in 2008 to $8.0 billion in 2018, grew its 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 first commenced such buybacks, to 2018. United Rentals’ share price increased over 700 percent during Kneeland’s tenure as CEO.

"Michael is a well-respected leader in the equipment rental industry and an incredibly savvy operator," said Larry Berg, Maxim’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."

Founded in 1937, Maxim is one of the largest lifting solutions businesses in North America. Maxim, with its affiliated companies, serves more than 6,000 customers through its fleet of over 2,600 cranes situated in 61 branches.