At the end of 2025 Brandon Hitch announced his resignation as Chief Executive Officer of The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) to take on new challenges in the United States. Since then, there has been an outpouring of gratitude from all sectors of the industry.
For more than a decade, Brandon has been a driving force behind some of the Australian crane industry’s most influential safety and professionalism initiatives, including:
• CraneSafe
• CrewSafe
• StartSafe
• Articulated Mobile Crane On-Road Course
• Lift Supervisor Program
• National Training Model
• CICA Member Portal
Marcus Ferrari, CICA Board President, said Brandon has been instrumental in transforming how safety, training and professionalism are approached in the crane industry. “He has brought deep expertise in Australian and international Standards, but what truly set him apart was his humble leadership style and his ability to bring people together,” said Marcus.
“His brilliance, integrity and commitment to doing things properly will be greatly missed in Australia.”
In his new role as Senior Director with CCO, Brandon will facilitate the technical delivery of the Green Sticker by CraneSafe (GSCS) program across the United States. CICA has expressed its full support for the transition and pride in seeing Australian expertise recognised on the global stage.
CICA Life Member Allan Macpherson described Brandon’s impact on the Australian crane industry as huge and measurable by results.
“I have been involved with Crane Association of Western Australia (CAWA) and CICA WA since 1979 and the increase in safety has improved across the country, mainly due to Brandon’s knowledge and ability to interact with authorities, businesses and members,” Allan said.
“It is beyond words to express the impact one man, in conjunction with the hard-working CICA board, who are all volunteers, and the staff at CICA, have had on the industry.
“I know we all must move on sometime in business to better ourselves and our families, and in Brandon’s case I wish it was in another five years. It is very sad that the other original Life Members and ‘founding fathers’, who had the foresight to sit down and form CICA back in 1978-79 are no longer with us to witness what their vision for CICA has become. RIP.”
Danny Adair is a CICA Board Member and industry stalwart. He said Brandon’s impact on the industry has been one of a ‘born leader’.
“He has a way of ensuring we have all the required tools to make sure we are compliant and he has led the industry by sitting on multiple global standards committees for many years.
“Led by Jeff Brundell and John Gillespie, the CraneSafe team – including Brandon – envisioned CrewSafe and StartSafe as practical alternatives to traditional third-party Verification of Competency (VOC). While many VOCs remain classroom-based, paper-driven, and lack crane-specific detail, CrewSafe offers a genuine assessment. It is conducted by industry peers and tailored to specific crane brands, ensuring operators are truly competent on the machinery they use every day,” Danny said.
“Brandon’s legacy will live on and continue to flourish in the hands of our new CEO, Pat Cran as I know there will be a detailed handover which will include the operator’s manual on how to be a successful CEO of The Crane Industry Council of Australia.”
Incoming CICA CEO Pat Cran said Brandon’s leadership has shaped not only the direction of the organisation but also the culture that underpins how it works every day. He said Brandon’s greatest contribution has been the “strong, supportive, and collaborative culture he has built within CICA”.
“Under his guidance, CICA has brought together experts from every aspect of the crane and lifting industry,” Pat said.
“The breadth of knowledge and depth of experience within the organisation is no accident; it is a direct reflection of Brandon’s strategic focus on capability, professionalism, and industry-wide representation.
“It has been a privilege working for Brandon, the impact is not just work for me, it’s personal. His guidance and mentorship have developed me both professionally and personally, helping me become someone I am proud of as well as someone the industry can rely on.
“Like many in the industry, I will always be very grateful to Brandon for what he has done for me. His leadership has shaped not only the CICA we know today, but the CICA that will continue to serve, strengthen, and advocate for the crane industry for years to come.”
Anthony Grosser, CICA Board Member for CICA WA reflects on Brandon’s entry into the industry “at a turbulent time”.
“He was really the driving force that sees CICA as a genuine national advisory body for the crane industry,” Anthony said. “Following his direction, we have lobbied for better systems and conditions for a safer workplace and CICA is now considered a true advisor contributing to many of the safe work place guidelines we have in place today.”
He says Brandon bought credibility to the CraneSafe program.
“When he joined, the industry was questioning the value of the CraneSafe program, and there were a number of ‘copy cats’ and significant union stigma directed at the program.
“Through continued investment in certifications and development, CraneSafe is now considered the global leader for inspection programs for mobile cranes and that is quite an achievement.
“Training and upskilling have been a strong focus for CICA during Brandon’s tenure, and without this strong push we won’t have an industry. We have come a long way but still have a lot further to go.”
Anthony said that during his 11 years as CEO, Brandon has helped develop CICA into a truly professional organisation and a voice for the industry. He and CICA are respected at all levels as the ‘final word’ on mobile cranes and lifting and he and his team have ensured the industry sits with all levels of politics and governance.
But it’s not just his advocacy that will be missed.
“I have never seen Brandon lose his temper or control and he has been pushed by some idiots over the years,” Anthony said. “His ability to remain calm and respectful, at all times, is a rare skill which gives him significant credibility.
“His ability to share his knowledge in ‘normal terms’ has helped so many people; he always answers the phone and always finds a solution to an issue.
“Brandon was an incredible find for our industry and as a group we will have to work very hard to ensure his professionalism, legacy and leadership continue,” he said.
Alice Edwards, CICA’s Road Technical Engineer appreciates Brandon’s contribution to the industry and said his knowledge and experience of machine design, site operation and on road crane travelling played a key role in shaping national/international standards, influencing regulations, and fostering continuous improvement.
“Many CICA projects led by Brandon improved safety in the industry,” Alice said. “One example is major inspections. Brandon led the CICA Major Inspection Gold Plate program, and also under his guidance, CICA drafted up a comprehensive guideline for major inspections. High Risk Work License (HRWL) reform is another important project he worked on to improve safety. Across Australia’s crane and lifting sector, the HRWL review represents one of the most consequential safety reforms in recent years.”
She said Brandon’s leadership and effort have helped support an environment where the industry can shape reforms that strengthen competency, enhance training relevance, and improve public and workplace safety.
“Training and upskilling are essential for the industry’s resilience, and two examples stand out for me: the Lift Supervisor Course, which gives experienced crew a structured pathway into critical supervisory roles; and the Articulated Mobile Crane On‑Road course, which closes a recognised competency gap for pick‑and‑carry driving and is now scaling nationally.
“These pathways – alongside simulators and careers outreach – are already strengthening safety outcomes and deepening our talent pipeline.”
According to Alice, Brandon is a leader who doesn’t just respond to change, he anticipates it. His perspective is always fixed firmly on the horizon. His approach consistently encourages the crane and lifting industry to think beyond today’s challenges and prepare for the world it is heading into.
“Under Brandon’s leadership CICA has matured into a platform that connects members, regulators and global standards. We collaborate at scale and speak with authorities, which means clearer guidance, faster adoption of what works, and better project outcomes for the industry,” said Alice.
Anthony Heeks, ex New South Wales State Chair and Managing Director of Pace Cranes also expressed his appreciation for Brandon’s contribution to the organisation and the wider industry.
“Before becoming CEO, Brandon managed the CraneSafe program and played a pivotal role in shaping it into the respected and trusted program it is today,” said Anthony.
“Under his leadership, our industry has grown, supported by a strong and dedicated CICA membership. Brandon has consistently driven improvements in safety standards nationwide, strengthened relationships across industry sectors, and championed change and progress. His commitment to lifting standards will leave a lasting and positive legacy for years to come.
“On a personal level, I am incredibly grateful for the support Brandon has shown me over the years, particularly during my time as New South Wales State Chair. He was always willing to listen, collaborate, and offer assistance whenever it was needed. Thank you, Brandon, for your leadership, your vision, and the integrity you brought to your role. Your contributions have made a significant impact, and you will be greatly missed.”
Andrew Esquilant, CEO of Borger Cranes and CICA Board Member has been impressed with the integrity Brandon has displayed during his tenure as CICA CEO.
While at times of a personnel change comments are rightly positive, Andrew provided some background and his first memories of Brandon – at John Gillespie’s yard, where he was invited to lunch with John, Jeff Brundell and Brandon.
“My initial impression of Brandon was that while he was a large man in stature, he was even bigger in heart – showing a genuine respect for life, opportunity, and people,” Andrew said.
“Over time, Brandon stepped into the full-time role of CEO of CICA. Like anyone taking on a role of that responsibility, he was nervous at the beginning, but there was a clear determination to achieve and to conduct the role properly. He brought discipline, credibility and professionalism to the position and worked tirelessly to elevate both the standing and the voice of the association.
“Under his leadership, CICA strengthened its presence and influence across government, industry bodies, and the broader public arena. Brandon was instrumental in ensuring the crane industry was not only heard, but respected – advocating consistently for members, for safety, and for professionalism across our sector.”
He said Brandon’s ability to engage with parliament, regulators, and peer associations helped position CICA as a trusted and serious contributor to industry discussion and policy.
Equally important was his focus on governance and integrity. He understood that long-term credibility comes from doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
“That principle flowed through his leadership style and decision making, and it set a standard for those around him,” Andrew said.
“One moment that stands out is when the board was staying in one hotel, yet Brandon chose to stay in a cheaper hotel down the road out of respect for members’ money. That single decision speaks volumes about his moral compass and the calibre of the person we are farewelling.”
He said Brandon also had a genuine ability to bring people together – across companies, viewpoints, and generations.
He believed strongly in collaboration, in lifting the standard of the industry as a whole, and in leaving things better than he found them.
“The results of that mindset will continue to benefit CICA and the crane industry well beyond his time in the role.
“Like all great men, Brandon has exceptional women behind him. As with all of us in life, he has had a strong home team in wife Linda and daughter Grace. Thank you both for sharing this great man with us, and we wish you every enjoyment in the next chapter.
“At this point, I would like to say: look out, ‘crane world’. We have a very special person amongst us – one we know well and respect deeply. Thank you for the first part of the journey, we look forward to watching the next stages from ‘Down Under.’
According to Danny Black, CICA Board member and General Manager at Terex Franna, Brandon’s tenure as CEO is widely credited with transforming the Australian crane industry, lifting national standards, and driving international adoption of Australian safety systems.
“Cultural shifts driven by Brandon include moving the industry toward greater consistency in safety practices, building a culture of accountability and professionalism and strengthening compliance with Australian and international standards and improving collaboration across crane owners, operators, regulators, and contractors,” Danny said.
“Brandon didn’t just improve systems, he changed how the industry thinks and operates. As Brandon departs to take up a senior role with US CCO Certification his leadership is celebrated as transformational, his programs and cultural changes are expected to influence the industry for years and his work enabled global recognition of Australian-developed safety programs.
“Brandon’s personal work ethic, absolute commitment and passion to ensuring we succeed make him truly one of a kind.”
It’s clear that Brandon has left a real mark on the crane industry. He leads without ego, always ready with a bit of humour to lighten the load and is never too busy to sit down and genuinely listen.
He’s taken the time to help people understand the why behind things, not just the what, and that’s made a lasting difference to many across the sector and the construction space more broadly.
We’re incredibly grateful for the contribution he’s made and wish him and his family all the very best as they take this next step and make the move to the US. Thank you for everything Brandon, from everyone within the industry, at CICA and Cranes and Lifting magazine.
