New CEO for National Trench Safety

US-based trench rental specialists National Trench Safety (NTS) has appointed Fernando Pinera as its new chief executive officer.

Pinera, a rental industry veteran with more than 20 years experience, is the former CEO of SmartEquip, a role he held for 13 years before leaving last October.

During his time with the company, he oversaw its $175 million sale to auctioneers Ritchie Bros in 2021.

His latest role was with digital marketplace IAA Holdings, where he was the senior vice president of operational transformation.

Pinera has also spent 10 years with NationsRent Companies, where he was the vice president of operations and vice president of fleet and asset management.

Bruce Dressel, chairman of the board of directors of NTS and a Tailwind Capital operating executive, said, “I have known Fern for many years, and I am thrilled that he is joining the NTS team. I can confidently say that he is the perfect person to help lead the company through its next phase of growth.

“He has a long and proven track record of building successful rental companies, and his skills and experience perfectly complement the leadership team at NTS. He is customer-obsessed and leads from the front, and we look forward to working closely together to further scaling NTS.”

Pinera added, “National Trench Safety has a terrific market reputation as a leading trench safety solutions company that is well-positioned for tremendous, profitable growth and value creation.

“I am extremely excited to join such a wonderful team and am looking forward to contributing to the company’s next phase of growth while delivering on our commitments to all of our stakeholders.”