Ritchie Bros. expands leadership team for global growth

Euan Youdale Editor, Access International

09 December 2024

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers has announced additions to its international leadership team. Ghislaine Duijmelings, General Manager for the International Region, and Duncan Ainscough, Head of International Sales, have joined RB Global to oversee the international growth and business development of Ritchie Bros. and its associated brands

“These key appointments align with the company’s commitment to expanding market reach, strengthening relationships with clients and partners in the industry, and accelerating growth across the EMEA and APAC regions. Together, their expertise will play a pivotal role in driving growth, fostering innovation, and elevating the customer experience on a global scale”, said Jim Kessler, Chief Executive Officer of RB Global.

Ghislaine Duijmelings brings more than a decade of experience in the industrial auction sector in customer-centered strategies and data-driven performance. Previously, she was Managing Director at Surplex GmbH, a major European online auction platform for used machinery. During her tenure, she prioritized customer focus, strengthened teams across 16 European markets, and achieved impressive results through data insights and operational excellence.

Ritchie Bros. grows leadership team with Ghislaine Duijmelings and Duncan Ainscough.

Before Surplex GmbH, Duijmelings served as CEO at Troostwijk Auctions, where she connected global buyers and sellers through online auctions, dispersing excess inventory and used equipment efficiently across their 16-country network.

At RB Global she will develop and leverage a framework to evaluate both top-line potential and profit margins.

“I’m excited to be part of the world’s largest auctioneer of commercial assets and vehicles. I believe that RB Global is a frontrunner of innovation in the industry, and I’m passionate about being part of a team that’s shaping the future of B2B auctioning. The company culture fosters respect, inclusion, and opportunity for growth for all, which are key drivers for me”, Duijmelings said.

New sales chief

Ainscough, as Head of Sales for the International region, brings more than 30 years of experience in the industrial auction and asset management industry. With a distinguished background in senior leadership roles at Gordon Brothers and Liquidity Services, he has led large multinational teams and managed large-scale asset disposition projects across more than 30 countries and delivered strategic capital solutions for major global corporations.

His experience spans various auction systems, processes, and fiscal requirements and he will be key to identifying new opportunities and creating value for customers and team members. This willl include expanding the company’s geographic reach, and ensuring the delivery of high-standard services and solutions.

“Our goal is to provide the best service, results, and solutions for buyers and sellers. By positioning ourselves as trusted advisors throughout the full lifecycle of used equipment—from valuations to final sales—we aim to deliver exceptional value, helping to ensure that customers have access to the right opportunities at the right time”, Ainscough said.

In his role, Ainscough will work alongside Duijmelings and the Ritchie Bros. international leadership team to refine sales strategies and expand the company’s global presence across its associated brands.