David Withers, President and CEO of Jacobsen in Charlotte since 2011, has left the company on January 1st after 24 years in the industry, both in the UK and USA.

The decision stems from the announcement last year of the merger of Jacobsen with Textron Specialised Vehicles which would have necessitated a move to Augusta which was something that David did not want to do, feeling that the timing was now right to return to the UK.

In a statement released at the end of December David said: “As regards the future as yet I have no plans. It has been a busy time planning the integration and all my thoughts and energy have been on working to ensure a smooth transition where our customers are only impacted positively.

“I am hopeful that I can stay in this industry as I have so many friends and relationships that it would seem sad not to continue to build them in the future albeit with another company.

“I have loved my 24 years with Jacobsen it has all been an amazing experience and such a privilege to lead this iconic company for the last 5 or so years, so whilst sad to be leaving I am also excited to see what he next chapter in my career may bring.

David joined Jacobsen in the UK in 1992 as a Regional Sales manager, and then had a variety of increasingly senior roles within the organisation, becoming Managing Director of Ransomes Jacobsen (the Ipswich UK based subsidiary of Jacobsen) in 2004, a role he held until the move to Charlotte in 2011.