Friday Roundup: Lambertsson new CEO | Dynamic pricing | Trump’s executive orders

Several rental companies announced leadership changes to kick off 2025 in the week from January 16 to 22. 

Nordic rental company Lambertsson has announced key leadership changes effective February 1. Regional managers Björn Fredriksson and Tobias Kvick will step into CEO and Deputy CEO roles, respectively. Outgoing CEO Carl Rülcker, who has led the company since late 2023, will shift his focus to parent company Peab Byggsystem.

Rülcker commended Fredriksson and Kvick as highly competent duo, highlighting their contributions to navigating challenges and driving business improvements.

Fredriksson, who joined Lambertsson in 2023, will be based in Umeå, while Kvick, a 20-year company veteran, will remain in Stockholm. As part of the transition, John Cristoferson, current manager of Lambertsson’s depots in Sälen and Idre, will succeed Fredriksson as leader of Lambertsson Region North.

Fredriksson discusses the company’s plan to drive growth across Sweden’s diverse markets.

Other key personnel updates include: 

• Aggreko: Shinaki Kato has been named president of Aggreko Japan and managing director of North Asia. Kato will oversee operations in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, driving regional growth and enhancing Aggreko’s customer solutions.
• Ramirent: Kenneth Stallvik has been appointed regional manager for Norway’s Mid-North region, overseeing nine customer centres and specialised departments. With 18 years at Ramirent, Stallvik will also focus on strengthening sales development.

These leadership changes reflect industry efforts to adapt to evolving market demands and strengthen organizational capabilities for 2025.

Dynamic pricing

Dynamic pricing adjusts rates based on factors like demand and timing, a practice widely used in industries like hotels, aviation, and now, equipment rental.

In the rental sector, companies like Storent Group use this strategy to optimize rates based on fleet availability, seasonal trends, and market demand. For instance, lawn equipment rates may drop in cooler months, while wheel loader rates might increase during high demand.

While dynamic pricing offers flexibility and profitability, critics argue it risks alienating customers unprepared for frequent changes. Balancing profitability and customer trust remains key to its success.

Lewis Tyler, editor of the International Rental News, speaks to rental and software companies on how flexible pricing models will shape the future of equipment rentals.

Pacific Shoring acquisition

California-based shoring manufacturer Pacific Shoring Products was acquired by Palm Peak Capital, a private equity firm founded in 2024 by former Sun Capital Partners executives.

Separately, Caterpillar dealer Ring Power joined the Magni Telescopic Handlers network, offering rotating, fixed boom, and heavy-lift telehandlers across North and Central Florida.

Trump’s executive orders

The rental and construction industries closely monitored newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump’s actions, anticipating their impact on the global economy, geopolitics, and the green transition.

On January 20, Trump’s first day back in the White House, he signed approximately 100 executive orders, marking a sharp policy shift with significant implications for construction and broader economic sectors.

Key actions included withdrawing the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, boosting oil and gas drilling, and reversing a Biden-era mandate targeting 50% electric vehicle (EV) sales by 2030.

Trump emphasised energy independence, prioritising fossil fuels, lowering energy costs, and ending the “New Green Deal.”

Declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, he resumed border wall construction without congressional approval, raising concerns about labour shortages, as immigrants constitute 31% of the construction workforce.

Trump also hinted at steep tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada by February 2025.