When the curtain came down on the European Demolition Association Annual Convention 2025, it did so not just on a superb Study Tour and conference; it fell also upon not one but two industry eras.
The event marked the end of Stefano Panseri’s unifying EDA presidency; and it also marked the beginning of the end of the industry career of Caterpillar’s demolition specialist, Gilles Ronnet. Two very different men; two very different roles; and yet both can walk away safe in the knowledge that they each made a positive and lasting impact on the global demolition industry.
Stefano Panseri followed in the formidable footsteps of his father – Giuseppe – whose EDA presidency reshaped (and maybe saved) the European Demolition Association. Yet Stefano Panseri somehow emerged from the long shadow cast by his father to make the presidency his own.
In some ways, Stefano Panseri is a contradiction. He has a passion for demolition that only an Italian could possess; and yet his presidency was one of quiet, studied humility. His was a calming voice at a time when the industry – still trying to shake off the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns – craved stability. While some in the industry were determined to go it alone and adopt an “every man for himself” approach, Panseri brought people together.
As a demonstration of his unifying approach, the EDA Study Tour included a fact-finding mission to Panseri’s company, Despe. During that visit, Panseri threw open the doors to his company to competitors and delegates alike. No trade secrets; no restrictions to access; just a sharing of information in the hope of advancing the sector for the greater good.
But the EDA Study Tour also acted as a demonstration of Panseri’s humility. The tour was a prolonged farewell; a swan-song for his three-year presidency. As a result, each step along the way was an opportunity to give thanks for Panseri’s presidential contribution. Each time, he deflected any praise; bouncing it back to the various Study Tour hosts and to the delegates in attendance. Time and time again, he reminded those present that the success of his presidency was not his, but the industry’s. It was that statesman-like approach that will see his presidency go down as one of the most memorable in EDA history.
While Panseri was passing the chains of office to his successor, Caterpillar’s Gilles Ronnet was preparing to do likewise as he eases toward a well-deserved retirement.
During his time as Caterpillar’s demolition specialist, Ronnet achieved that rare accomplishment. He evolved from being a supplier TO the industry to become an integral part OF the industry.
For many years, he delivered his product knowledge and expertise in a quiet manner that was less salesmanship and more valuable insight and knowledge. Many equipment manufacturers – Caterpillar included – claim to be the partner of their customers. Gilles Ronnet embodied that notion. He wasn’t just the representative of a major equipment manufacturer, he was a source of knowledge, of wisdom, and of help and assistance.
I consider myself fortunate to have spent many hours in the company of both Stefano Panseri and Gilles Ronnet. In very different ways, both men were great company; always engaging and constantly welcoming. I’d like to think that I will have the opportunity to spend time with them again in the future.
Thankfully, both for me and – more importantly – for the industry, both Stefano Panseri and Gilles Ronnet pass their respective batons to individuals that share the same level of industry passion and commitment. Panseri’s EDA presidency passes to Patrick Frye of Cardem; Gilles Ronnet hands over to Jean-Christophe Etienne. Both men come to their new roles with considerable expertise and experience; and they will, I am sure, make an industry impact of their own in the years ahead.
But as Panseri and Ronnet step back, they both do so with their heads held high. And, most importantly, they do so leaving the industry demonstrably better than they found it.
