IPAF CEO Tim Whiteman steps down after 15 years

Tim Whiteman speaking at the IPAF Summit in Dubai, 2019

Tim Whiteman has stepped down from the position of Managing Director and CEO of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) after 15 years in the position. Former IPAF President Andy Studdert will act as interim CEO to provide continuity as Tim Whiteman hands over and while the search for a new CEO is conducted.

The IPAF Board recruited Tim Whiteman as MD in 2004 to take on the challenge of implementing the “I” in IPAF, ie to make the organisation truly international. At that time the Federation had around 400 members, most of which were in the UK, and earned 95% of its revenue from the UK.

Today more than 45% of income is from outside the home market, even though UK income and membership has not stopped growing since 2004. Today we have almost 1,400 members in nearly 70 countries and the Federation is in sound financial health.

Tim Whiteman says: “It has been a privilege to work with the dedicated IPAF members and team members around the world – the passion to deliver the safe and effective use of powered access motivates so many people and IPAF shares their knowledge and experience to help keep people safe.

“However, after 15 years, I’m looking forward to a change and I thank the Board for its support in making this happen,” he added.

Other news you might be interested in

  • There’s less than a week to go until the fifth edition of IPAF ELEVANDO, taking place on 6 November 2025 at Parque Fundidora in Monterrey. The event will bring together manufacturers, rental companies, distributors, and safety experts from across the region for a full day of learning, networking, and celebration.

  • IPAF North America hosted the Working at Height Conference & Awards on October 15–16, 2025, at the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee – bringing together industry leaders from construction, utilities, manufacturing, and equipment rental sectors to share innovations, insights, and best practices for safer and more efficient work at height.