In this newly created role, Forgest Potka is leading the development of a dedicated agriculture department. His remit includes shaping Ritchie Bros.’ agricultural strategy, expanding its team of specialist territory managers, strengthening rela onships with OEMs and dealers, and building a clear strategy for the company’s Agricultural auc ons and marketplaces across Europe.
Forgest brings deep sector insight and a decade of proven success in agricultural machinery sales to the role. Originally from Albania and raised on his family’s olive farm in central Greece, he combines first-hand farming experience with a strong academic background, holding a dual master’s degree in European Studies from the European University of Flensburg and the University of Southern Denmark. He also holds a degree in Poli cal Science from the University of the Peloponnese, Greece.
Before joining Ritchie Bros., he spent 10 years at E-FARM, a German online trading pla orm, where he rose to head the European sales team. During that me he grew markets from scratch, built robust sales teams and helped transform the way farmers acquire used machinery such as tractors, combines, balers, trailers etc. online.
Speaking about his appointment, Forgest Potka said: “I’m pleased to join Ritchie Bros. at such an interes ng moment in the development of its agriculture business. Agriculture is a deeply emo onal and specialised sector, and I’m excited at being able to add my exper se to con nue to build the trust and partnership in Agriculture that Ritchie Bros. brings to Construc on and Transport. I grew up around farm machinery, I understand the mindset of
farmers and Ag dealers, and I see a huge opportunity to modernise how used agricultural equipment is traded. My goal is to build a stronger agricultural strategy for Ritchie Bros., grow our teams, and become the partner dealers think of first – not the last step in the chain.” The perfect ‘combine’-a on Duncan Ainscough, Head of Sales at Ritchie Bros. EMEA, welcomed the appointment, saying: “Agriculture has its own dis nct personality and demands – it’s more fragmented, emo onally driven and deeply rooted in long-term rela onships and trust. To grow meaningfully in this ver cal, we need specialist leadership – someone who understands the machines, the market and the mindset of farmers. Forgest brings exactly that combina on. His ability to build markets, develop teams and earn the confidence of partners makes him well suited to lead our agricultural expansion across Europe.”
Talented footballer and father-of-two Forgest officially assumed his role in November. He has begun expanding Ritchie Bros.’ network of agriculture-dedicated territory specialists, developing a pan-European approach to equipment sourcing, and helping posi on Ritchie Bros. as the most reliable and trusted route-to-market for used agricultural machinery.
