Arapidis Succeeds Kirby as Kirby-Smith President and CEO

Kirby (left), Arapidis

Aug. 5, 2021 - Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc., a leading distributor of cranes and heavy equipment in the central United States, has named John Arapidis as its new president and CEO.

Arapidis succeeds company co-founder Ed Kirby, who has been the company's president and CEO for nearly 40 years. Kirby will serve as chairman of the board.

Arapidis joined Kirby-Smith in 2017 as vice president of major accounts. Before joining Kirby-Smith, Arapidis spent nearly 30 years at Komatsu, where he held various roles, including national accounts manager and vice president of the rental and used-equipment division.

"Making the decision to step back from my role was not easy, but I know that with the appointment of John to president and CEO, Kirby-Smith Machinery will remain a leader in the industry in John's extremely capable hands," said Ed Kirby. "During the past four years, John's experience, leadership style, and vision for the company have proven to be the right fit for this role. They will benefit the entire KSM organization, as well as our partners and clients."

During the rest of 2021, Kirby will work closely with Arapidis and the management team to transition day-to-day responsibilities while assuming the role of chairman of the board, where he will act in an advisory role and continue to liaise with partners and customers.

"I am honored and humbled at the opportunity to take on this position with KSM and help grow the company into the future," said Arapidis. "My motto is to never stop learning, and I am excited to work alongside the leadership team to continue to learn and build upon the legacy that Ed has built."

Arapidis currently lives in Dallas, Texas, and will relocate to Oklahoma City with his wife.

He holds an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Loyola University.