Ritchie Bros. celebrates Interna onal Women’s Day 2026 by spotlighting the stories of
remarkable women across the organisation. Breaking stereotypes and driving change,
these women are making their mark in the heavy equipment industry.
This International Women’s Day, Ritchie Bros., one of the leading industrial auctioneers and a leading global asset management company, is proud to spotlight the remarkable women driving the future of the heavy equipment industry. With a global presence and a culture of inclusivity, the company has long embraced diversity, empowering women to thrive in leadership roles across all levels of the organisation.
At Ritchie Bros., creating an inclusive culture and providing growth opportunities are key to the company’s ongoing success. Women at Ritchie Bros. are leading the way in roles across operations, marketing, finance, and beyond, breaking barriers and shaping the future of the heavy equipment industry.
Emma Tuckley – A remarkable shi from administrative assistant to global opera ons leader
Emma Tuckley’s unexpected journey to leadership at Ritchie Bros. began almost 30 years ago when, while working as a waitress at her previous job, she saw a Ritchie Bros. job listing and decided to apply, making a bold switch to a completely different industry. She started as an Administrative Assistant and, through dedication and commitment, is now Director of International Operations Support, improving systems and processes in Operations across multiple countries and cultures.
“Success to me today is about contributing to positive change, helping others to grow in their careers and knowing that my work is making a difference.”– Emma Tuckley.
Danielle Roks – Proving every day is Mission Possible
As Office Opera ons Manager in Benelux, Danielle Roks has spent nine years overseeing daily operations running smoothly, juggling paperwork, supporting colleagues, and ensuring customers feel welcome. Her role is far more dynamic than many people expect, requiring problem-solving, coordination, and adaptability every day.
“It’s not about fitting into the industry; it’s about adding value to it.” – Danielle Roks.
Laura Cassinelli – Connecting strategy and execu on behind the scenes
With 18 years at Ritchie Bros., Laura Cassinelli has seen the company evolve from live auctions to digital solutions. As Marketing Manager for Italy, Laura is a key player in connecting buyers with the right equipment, using data-driven strategies and a customer-first mindset to drive success.
“In a sector traditionally perceived as technical and transactional, empathy and strategic listening are powerful differentieators.” – Laura Cassinelli.
Estrella Diaz – thinking big across borders.
For Estrella, the heavy equipment world is defined by scale and interna onal collabora on. As Regional Sales Manager for Southern Europe at Mascus, she leads commercial strategy across multiple markets and cultures. She believes the next generation should step into the industrywith confidence.
“I’d love women to enter this industry without fear, knowing they belong.” – Estrella Díaz.
Marta Matlag – Bridging technology and global trade
Marta Matlag, as Marketplace-E Manager, works at the intersection of technology and global trade, helping connect buyers and sellers of equipment worldwide. It may be heavy equipment is about machines, but real experience lies in data, relationships, planning, and strategy. Her work is part technology, part negotiation, and part psychology. She believes it’s not about breaking stereotypes, but about delivering results.
“The goal isn’t fi ng in. It’s knowing you belong wherever you decide to be.” – Marta Matlag.
Montana Donaldson – confidence on the road
Montana began her journey at Ritchie Bros. in the yard before stepping into her role as Territory Manager in New Zealand. Building experience from the ground up gave her the confidence she carries into every customer conversation. She believes women bring a distinct strength to the field.
“We have a different touch and can often align more easily with emotional customers. That’s a big upside.” – Montana Donaldson.
Naglaa Sultan – Building rela onships, creating opportunities
In Dubai, Naglaa Sultan works as a Business Development Representative, turning conversations into opportunities. Her work is grounded in building strong relationships with clients, showing that women bring essential skills to this traditionally male-dominated industry.
“Women in this industry are no longer unusual. We bring strong communication skills, smart problem-solving, and determination that help the business grow.” – Naglaa Sultan.
Gabriela Fragoso – the calm voice when things get complicated
When challenges appear, Gabriela is often the person people turn to. As Customer Service Manager, she spends her days solving problems, supporting customers and helping teams stay steady when things get busy.
Her team knows her for one thing above all: patience. It’s an approach shaped by experience. Having seen the business evolve from live auctions to today’s digital environment, she’s watched perceptions change, too.
“Challenges help me grow. They make me stronger.” – Gabriela Fragoso.
Mariana Faus no – Never giving up on dreams
Mariana’s career spans continents and second chances. After 10 years as a secretary in Brazil, she moved to the Netherlands, where language barriers might prevent her from continuing in the profession. Instead, she joined Ritchie Bros. as a Logis cs Coordinator and has evolved into her current role as Executive Assistant, supporting senior leadership and keeping the business running smoothly.
“Never give up on your dreams.” – Mariana Faus no.
Sara Ekblom – the details that make deals happen
Sara joined Ritchie Bros., looking for a role that would challenge her to grow and build new connections. Today, working in Sales Support for the Mascus Nordics team, she sits at the centre of countless moving parts. “There is a lot more to the job than listening to machines online. There is finance, decision making, asset valuations, orders, and planning.” One piece of advice has stayed with her throughout her career.
“Trust is built on consistency.” – Sara Ekblom
Thérèse Kahilu – calm in the chaos
Finance is fast-moving, complex and often unpredictable. Thérèse approaches it with calm determination and a solution-focused mindset.
“Always think there’s a solution for any situation – and I can do it.” – Thérèse Kahilu.
The Future of Heavy EquipmentWhile the heavy equipment industry may be built from machinery, it’s the people at Ritchie
Bros., who are shaping its future. From operations to customer service, marketing, and finance, these women are not just participants in the industry -they are the ones driving it forward.
As a woman who has built her own career in the industry, Ghislaine Duijmelings, CEO at Ritchie Bros. International, highlights: “The women featured here embody the strength of our business.
At Ritchie Bros., we value diversity and support the career growth of our team. Their talent, leadership, experience, and diverse perspectives are shaping not only our company but the future of the industry. True progress happens when people are recognised, trusted, and given space to lead”.
As Ritchie Bros. continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead.
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