Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, an RB Global, Inc. company and a world leader in asset management and disposition, is pleased to announce strategic additions to its international leadership team. Ghislaine Duijmelings, general manager for the international region, and Duncan Ainscough, head of international sales, have joined RB Global to oversee the international growth and business development of Ritchie Bros. and its associated brands.
Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers has bolstered its international leadership team with two key appointments to support its global development.
“These key appointments align with the company’s commitment to expanding market reach, strengthening relationships with clients and partners in the industry, and accelerating growth across the EMEA and APAC regions. Together, their expertise will play a pivotal role in driving growth, fostering innovation, and elevating the customer experience on a global scale,” says Jim Kessler, chief executive officer of RB Global.
Ghislaine Duijmelings brings more than a decade of experience in the industrial auction sector, with a proven track record in customer-centred strategies and data-driven performance. Previously, she was managing director at Surplex, a major European online auction platform for used machinery. During her tenure, she prioritised customer focus, strengthened teams across 16 European markets, and achieved impressive results through data insights and operational excellence.
Before Surplex, Duijmelings served as CEO at Troostwijk Auctions, where she connected global buyers and sellers through online auctions, dispersing excess inventory and using equipment efficiently across their 16-country network.
At RB Global, Duijmelings will lead the overall international plan for the Ritchie Bros. and related businesses to increase share, implement key initiatives to boost engagement and growth, and find ways to opportunistically ramp up growth in key markets. Together with the leadership team on a ‘ONE Team—All In’ basis, she will develop and leverage a framework to evaluate both top-line potential and profit margins. Duijmelings’ leadership is characterized by a clear vision, integrity, and self-awareness, as well as a commitment to courage, respect, compassion, and resilience. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, intercultural sensitivity, and creating a culture of personal development, mutual respect, and teamwork across diverse markets.
“I’m excited to be part of the world’s largest auctioneer of commercial assets and vehicles. I believe that RB Global is a frontrunner of innovation in the industry, and I’m passionate about being part of a team that’s shaping the future of B2B auctioning. This is fully aligned with my personal goal of continuously learning and growing while contributing to RB Global’s success. The company’s worldwide reputation for providing high-quality solutions and services inspires me to contribute to its development. Next to that, it’s great to support the momentum of the circular economy. The company culture fosters respect, inclusion, and opportunity for growth for all, which are key drivers for me,” Duijmelings says.
Duncan Ainscough, as head of sales for the international region, brings more than 30 years of experience in the industrial auction and asset management industry. With a distinguished background in senior leadership roles at Gordon Brothers and Liquidity Services, he has led large multinational teams and managed large-scale asset disposition projects across more than 30 countries and delivered strategic capital solutions for major global corporations.
His experience spans various auction systems, processes, and fiscal requirements, enabling him to navigate international complexities and drive growth and foster innovation in an evolving global marketplace. His strong network, cultural awareness, and adaptability will be key to identifying new opportunities and creating value for customers and team members alike.
Ainscough’s leadership philosophy focuses on fostering a culture of authenticity, collaboration, and ethical practices. He aims to implement innovative sales strategies that can scale globally, providing solutions that meet customer needs, expanding the company’s geographic reach, and ensuring the delivery of high-standard services and solutions.
“I am genuinely thrilled to join RB Global and Ritchie Bros., a company I have long admired. This opportunity feels like the perfect alignment of my passion and expertise. I look forward to contributing to Ritchie Bros.’ as the most trusted global marketplace for used equipment. Our goal is to provide the best service, results, and solutions for buyers and sellers. By positioning ourselves as trusted advisors throughout the full lifecycle of used equipment—from valuations to final sales—we aim to deliver exceptional value, helping to ensure that customers have access to the right opportunities at the right time”, Ainscough says.
In his role, Ainscough will work alongside Duijmelings and the Ritchie Bros. international leadership team to refine sales strategies and expand the company’s global presence across its associated brands.
