CLARK promotes Bob Martinolli to chief operating officer

CLARK Material Handling Company has promoted Bob Martinolli to chief operating officer, expanding his role from North American operations to manufacturing and engineering. The move signals a push to tighten execution and support profitable growth across the forklift maker’s global business.

Why it matters: - CLARK Material Handling Company is putting a senior operations leader in charge of a broader slice of the business as it looks to scale manufacturing, supply chain and dealer support. - The promotion expands Bob Martinolli’s remit beyond North American operations to include manufacturing operations and engineering. - The move is aimed at execution and profitable growth, two priorities that affect how CLARK serves dealers and customers.

What happened: - CLARK Material Handling Company promoted Bob Martinolli to chief operating officer on Oct. 1, 2026. - Martinolli joined CLARK in March 2026 as senior vice president of North American operations. - Chuck Moratz, CLARK’s president and chief executive officer, announced the promotion.

The details: - In his previous role, Martinolli led supply chain efficiency, truck sales and aftermarket parts growth, distribution, strategy development and business systems integration across North American operations. - As COO, Martinolli will oversee manufacturing operations and engineering in addition to his focus on execution, dealer support and profitable growth. - Moratz said Martinolli brings “factory-floor discipline and enterprise-level judgment.” - Moratz said Martinolli strengthened manufacturing, supply chain and aftermarket operations in a short time. - Martinolli has more than 30 years of leadership experience across manufacturing, global supply chain and dealer-based distribution networks. - Before CLARK, Martinolli was senior vice president of operations at United Pipe & Steel. - At United Pipe & Steel, he oversaw 12 distribution centers, information technology and a fleet of 58 company-owned Class A commercial vehicles. - His earlier roles included director of operations at Kongsberg Automotive and Gulf States Toyota. - Martinolli also served as vice president of operations at Argo Turboserve Corporation and general manager at Weatherford. - He held leadership roles at Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America, including general manager of Rapidparts Inc. - Martinolli began his industrial career at Ford Motor Company, where he held manufacturing, engineering and plant leadership roles, including Plant Area/Manufacturing Manager at the Monroe Parts Plant. - He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management from the United States Military Academy at West Point. - Martinolli also holds a Master of Business Administration from City University in Seattle. - He served as a Combat Engineer officer in the U.S. Army. - CLARK was founded in 1917 and manufactures one of the industry’s broadest forklift lineups. - CLARK supports customers through a global dealer network. - The company returned its global headquarters to the United States and has offices in Flower Mound, Texas. - More information is available on CLARK’s website.

Between the lines: - CLARK is signaling continuity in leadership style by elevating an operator with deep manufacturing and distribution experience. - The company’s emphasis on aftermarket, dealer support and systems integration suggests a focus on operational discipline rather than a major strategic reset. - Martinolli’s background in forklifts, automotive and industrial supply chains fits a business built around complex logistics and dealer relationships.

What’s next: - Martinolli will take on responsibility for manufacturing operations and engineering as the COO role expands. - CLARK appears positioned to push further on execution, service support and operational efficiency under the new structure. - The company’s next results will likely show whether the leadership change translates into faster growth and tighter operations.

The bottom line: - CLARK is betting that a seasoned operations executive can help the 108-year-old forklift maker sharpen execution and support the next stage of growth.