PATERSON SIMONS PAYS TRIBUTE TO JACQUELINE HIMSWORTH, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MANITOU GROUP

Paterson Simons joins the global lifting and material handling community in honouring Jacqueline Himsworth, Chairman of the Board of Manitou Group, who passed away on 11 April 2026 at the age of 82. She passed away just 12 weeks after her brother, Marcel Braud, the late founder of Manitou.

A highly influential figure in the company’s history, Jacqueline Himsworth represented a key generation of the founding family and played an important role in guiding Manitou’s progression from a family business into a globally recognised leader in lifting and material handling solutions.

Her path was shaped by a remarkable family story. After losing her father at a young age, she was inspired by her mother’s determination to continue building the family’s industrial vision – laying the groundwork for what would grow into a leading name in the industry.

Alongside her brother, Marcel Braud- pioneer of Manitou’s first rough-terrain forklift – she contributed to the early development of the business through Braud & Faucheux, which later evolved into Manitou BF. Over the years, as a dedicated shareholder and board member, she helped steer the company’s long-term direction and international growth.

When she became Chair of the Board in 2017, she brought a thoughtful and measured approach to leadership. She remained focused on protecting the company’s values while supporting innovation and guiding it through ongoing change. Her leadership reflected a strong emphasis on stability, sustainability and long-term continuity.

In addition to her strategic role, she was committed to nurturing future leadership within the organisation, helping to ensure a smooth transition to the next generation and safeguarding the family legacy.

Paying tribute to her contribution, Manitou Group CEO Michel Denis recognised her clarity of vision and strength of conviction, as well as her ability to balance ambition with a genuine commitment to people.

As the authorised distributor of Manitou equipment in Ghana, Paterson Simons acknowledges the enduring impact of Jacqueline Himsworth’s leadership and the legacy she leaves behind.

A forward-thinking leader, she played an active role in fostering the next generation within the Board of Directors, helping to prepare the group for the future while safeguarding the continuity of the family legacy and maintaining its long-term strategic stability.

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Image: Manitou.com