During Tuesday night of Feb. 16th, 2021, Ottonel Popesco, President and Chairman of the Board of the Port Equipment Manufacturer Association (PEMA), passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. He had been Chairman of the Port Equipment Association since June 2008. During this period he significantly shaped its work and sustainably promoted its transformation.

Ottonel Popesco has spent his entire work life in various outstanding positions, most recently as a board member of multinational corporations, among others.

By losing Ottonel Popesco, the PEMA Association loses an eminent personality. He was an outstanding expert and specialist for an entire industry. Throughout his life, he was fascinated by innovative technologies, which he promoted with enthusiasm. Throughout his life, he set standards for an entire industry.

As member of the PEMA association VAHLE would like to express its deepest sympathies to Ottonel’s family, friends, and colleagues.

All those who were able to get to know him better mourn the loss of a personality who radiated cosmopolitanism, human attention, modesty and competence, and who was always able to combine this with a good dose of humour.

We will miss Ottonel Popesco and honor his memory.

As older Vice President of the Association, Mr Achim Dries will assume the role of acting Chairman of the Board until a permanent successor is appointed according to PEMA bylaws.