Head of Agriculture Appointed to Drive European Growth
Ritchie Bros. has appointed Forgest Potka as EMEA Head of Agriculture, a newly created role aimed at accelerating the company’s presence in the agricultural machinery sector across Europe.
Based in Breda, Netherlands, Potka will lead the development of a dedicated agriculture department, shaping Ritchie Bros.’ strategy for agricultural auctions and online marketplaces, expanding its team of specialist territory managers, and strengthening relationships with OEMs and dealers.
A farmer’s son raised on his family’s olive farm in central Greece, Potka combines hands-on agricultural experience with a strong academic background, holding a master’s degree in European Studies and a degree in Political Science. He previously spent a decade at German online trading platform E-FARM, where he led European sales, built markets from scratch, and transformed the way used agricultural machinery is traded online.
“I’m excited to join Ritchie Bros. at such a pivotal time for its agriculture business,” says Potka. “Agriculture is a highly specialised and emotionally driven sector. I understand the mindset of farmers and dealers, and I see huge potential to modernise the trade of used agricultural equipment. My goal is to grow our teams, build a stronger agricultural strategy, and become the partner dealers think of first.”
Ritchie Bros.’ Head of Sales for EMEA, Duncan Ainscough, adds: “Agriculture has its own distinct demands – it’s more fragmented, deeply rooted in relationships, and emotionally connected. Forgest brings the right combination of sector knowledge, market expertise, and leadership to drive our growth across Europe.”
Since assuming the role in November 2025, Potka has begun expanding Ritchie Bros.’ network of agriculture-focused territory specialists, developing a pan-European sourcing strategy, and positioning the company as a trusted route-to-market for used tractors, combines, balers, trailers, and other farm machinery.
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