Ken Hughes: 1952 - 2026

We regret to report the passing of former American Rental Association (ARA) executive Ken Hughes earlier this month in Corpus Christi, Texas. Ken, who was 73, had suffered from Lewy Body Dementia.

Born in London in 1952, Ken built a successful career in publishing, working as advertising manager for New Civil Engineer International in the UK before joining Primedia Intertec Publishing in 1991 and moving to the US with his family in 1996 where he continued to manage and launch additional magazines.

Ken Hughes

He joined the ARA in 2004 and served as Publisher and International Director, managing the Rental Management publication and successfully forging connections with rental companies and fellow publishers around the world.

Ken was popular and respected by colleagues and competitors alike. This writer remembers his openness and friendliness when meeting at industry events.

An online family tribute described him as follows: “Those who knew him best remember him as adventurous, friendly, and generous in both spirit and action. He had a lifelong love of West Ham football, a drop of cognac, and boats.

“He enjoyed waterskiing with this family, Disney vacations, Formula One, cricket, target shooting, and golf. He found great joy in learning about different cultures, traveling, and spending time with his toes in the sand. These interests reflected the breadth of his curiosity and the way he approached life – always opting for opportunities.”

He is survived by his son, Robert Hughes and daughter-in-law Anna Hughes. He also leaves behind a granddaughter, Hayden Hughes, and grandsons, Edward Medlock and Andrew and Chris Hughes. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kelly Robinson.