London, England: Former Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) Board member Alan Prickett has been appointed UK & Ireland Managing Director of tractor and ride-on mower manufacturer Iseki.

Founded in Japan in 1925, Iseki, which is celebrating 100 years of engineering excellence in 2025, has been represented in Europe for over 50 years and was the first company to introduce compact tractors to the UK market in the mid-1970s.

As Iseki moves into its second century in business, Prickett succeeds Dave Withers in the role of Managing Director in the UK & Ireland at the end of the year, marking a new chapter for the company.

Prickett brings a wealth of experience to the post, having spent nearly three decades working closely with Withers, fostering a shared management ethos and strategic vision that has underpinned numerous successful initiatives in the UK and export markets.

Prickett rejoined Iseki UK & Ireland at the beginning of 2020, initially serving as Business Development Manager before moving into the role of Director, with responsibility for both operational and sales activities. His extensive background in the grounds care industry includes a 23-year tenure at Ransomes Jacobsen, where he held various positions across the UK and internationally, culminating in his appointment as Managing Director in 2014.

“The future direction of Iseki UK & Ireland under my leadership will remain largely unchanged from the present successful path, with an on-going focus on quality products, good staff and dealers, plus the provision of excellent after-sales care,” said Prickett.

Speaking at last week’s Sports Amenities Landscaping Turf Exhibition (SALTEX), Withers, who began his career demonstrating verti-drains for Charterhouse Turf (now Redexim), followed by 25 years at Jacobsen, reflected on his eight-year tenure at ISEKI, describing the process of building the brand as ‘one of the most fun and satisfying things I have done in my career’.

Expressing confidence in the future of ISEKI UK & Ireland, Withers said, “I have worked with Alan for around 30 years and am very comfortable leaving the business in his hands to keep it growing and prospering for many years to come.”