Powell assumes Hirepool reins

By Graeme Kennedy

Friday 1st August 2003

Tenby Powell took over as managing director of equipment hire company Hirepool this week , two months after he and wife Sharon Hunter bought 24.5% of the former Owens Group business.

Chief executive of competitor Projex for seven years, Mr Powell (43) said his first priority in his new job was to expand Hirepool into a nationwide operation.

"We are the market leader in Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton," he said.

"But we need to strengthen Christchurch and get coverage in the provinces and we will do that very quickly.

"Hirepool is a tremendously successful company and I take my hat off to Michael Buchowski for what he has achieved."

Hunter-Powell Investments bought into Hirepool as part of a consortium led by a JB Were private equity fund while Owens Group retains 24.5%.

"It was not my original intention to become managing director," Mr Powell said.

Mr Buchowski had held the top job for the past eight years.

Comments from our readers

No comments yet