Our Team

Albert has over 30 years of experience in the crane and construction industry. As a passionate engineer, entrepreneur and crane enthusiast, Albert led the rapid expansion of Universal Cranes from a small pick and carry hire business to a leading national crane company. Albert’s vision has always been to combine the power of a national crane hire company with the passion and service levels of a family business. He has worked closely with the local shareholders of the Universal Cranes branches in the establishment of their businesses, and continues to provide ongoing mentoring and support. Albert is a dynamic leader and talented engineer who leads his national Universal Cranes team to provide innovative lift engineering and crane hire solutions.

Dashelle has over 10 years’ experience in strategy and growth, specialising in strategic planning, corporate communications, opportunity pipeline management, and business improvement. Dashelle co-founded a business-to-business strategy and communications agency with a niche in the resources and construction sector. In 2019 Dashelle joined the Smithbridge Group full time, managing business improvement, marketing, and commercial growth strategies to contribute to achieving sustainable profitability for the Group. As part of a long-term succession strategy, Dashelle has been an Advisory Board Member since 2015 for Smithbridge Group. She was a nominated as a Non-Executive Director for Universal Cranes New Zealand in December 2017 until an ownership restructure saw this board absorbed into the Smithbridge Group Advisory Board.

As a registered engineer Ben has a background in project management, engineering design consultancy and contract administration for civil infrastructure projects. Ben spent 8 years with AECOM as a Consulting Engineering where he worked on exciting projects across Queensland such as Cairns Wharf Upgrades, O’Keefe St Cycle Bridge, Container Crane Loading and Unloading, Port of Townsville Berth Upgrades and the DP World Brisbane Terminal Redevelopment Project. After spending 6 months working in Smithbridge Group in a Systems & Engineering Consultant capacity, in February 2024, it was announced Ben would step into the National Operations Manager role. In this role Ben is responsible for the overall performance of the Brisbane Branch with both sales and operations reporting into him. Ben has also been a member of the Smithbridge Group Advisory Board for over 5 years.

Joe started his career in carpentry and joinery, joining the family business as a rigger and franna operator in 2015. Now with almost 10 years’ experience in the cranes and lifting industry, Joe brings extensive in field experience to the dispatching office. Joe is responsible for scheduling and resource management in the Brisbane branch, ensuring Universal Cranes’ customers are provided quality family business service for every lift.

A Chartered Accountant by trade with over 20 years’ experience, Oliver was appointed the Group Chief Executive Officer of Smithbridge Group, including Universal Cranes and sister companies Smithbridge Guam and Universal Cranes New Zealand in May 2020. Oliver has led the financial management of the Group since 2010 in the role of Chief Financial Officer and later Chief Operations Officer. As Group CEO Ollie is responsible for the financial and operational performance of the group, leading the business to achieve growth and sustainability in revenue and profit, driving operational efficiency, and role modelling the leadership behaviours to maintain a high performing, engaged culture. With over 10 years’ in the Smithbridge Group Oliver is well positioned to be a key leader to all facets of the group.

With 20 years’ experience implementing operational and strategic risk management frameworks in the resources and construction sectors, Kevin brings a systematic approach to identifying and managing risk in complex businesses. As a key member of the Leadership Group and working within diverse geographical and operational environments, Kevin’s demonstrated ability to leverage technology in the innovative design, development and integration of systems and processes, provides cohesive business solutions to balance current needs, future growth and promote a positive learning culture. Kevin has served as a Committee Member for Standards Australia for nearly 20 years, including the role of Chairman on the ME-025 Lifting Tackle Committee and Member of ME-005 Cranes Committee.

A Certified Practising Accountant with 15 years’ experience, Shane joined Smithbridge Group in March 2018 as Group Reporting Manager and quickly progressed to Group Financial Controller. Now, in his role as CFO, Shane brings a background in the financial management of labour intensive operations with a passion for fostering successful teams. With a focus on supporting the operational business with data-driven reporting, and efficient and user friendly technology, Shane is leading the transformation of Smithbridge Group’s financial management to support the ongoing governance journey.

Shane joined the Universal Cranes New Zealand business in 2021 as General Manager, coming from three years as Auckland Branch Manager at sister company Smith Crane and Construction. With over 17 years management and supervisory experience across Oil & Gas, Power, Petrochemicals and Construction industries, Shane brings with him a strong leadership vision combined with extensive knowledge of heavy lifting, cranes, rigging and transport. Shane’s focus will be on working closely with the Auckland and Waikato Cranes team, clients and supply partners to anticipate and understand your needs for engineered lifting solutions.

Mark has spent almost half of his 30 year-long Smithbridge Group career with Universal Cranes. Mark played the integral role of General Manager of Universal Cranes from 2003 to 2012, during which time the Group experienced rapid growth and expansion. After spending a period as Operations Manager to Universal Cranes’ sister construction company, Mark returned to Universal Cranes to lead the team as the Brisbane General Manager. In addition to his history with Universal Cranes, Mark brings professional qualifications in engineering as well as project management experience on the Otira Viaduct and PJK Expressway projects in New Zealand, the Townsville Inner Harbour Expansion Project, the Kookaburra Viaduct in PNG. Mark is a construction guy through and through – he loves the ‘no-fuss – get it done – safely and efficiently’ ethos at Universal Cranes, and plays a big part in building and maintaining this culture!

Gordon Willocks started work for John Smith Contractors (Group Managing Director Albert Smith’s father) in New Zealand as a teenager and has been part of the Universal Cranes family from the very beginning. Gordon has experience in wharf, bridge and foundations construction.

He spent 11 years in Guam working as Operations Manager for Universal Cranes sister company Smithbridge. Gordon moved to Brisbane with his family in 2004, taking up the post of Operations Manager for the flagship Universal Cranes Brisbane operations. An energetic and engaging leader, Gordon again relocated to North Queensland as the owner and operator of the Universal Cranes Townsville branch. Gordon manages an industry-leading crane hire business in North Queensland, continuing to grow in a challenging economic environment.

Sam Paakki is the Group Manager of Information Technology at Smithbridge Group, directing strategic IT development, deployment, and security. With over 25 years of experience in IT management and cybersecurity, he leads critical ICT modernization and cloud adoption efforts. Since his start in October 2023, Sam has been key to the Connected Crew Program, significantly boosting operational efficiency and safety. His previous roles at Seymour Whyte Constructions and Downer Group involved managing large IT projects that enhanced both IT and business operations. Sam holds a Bachelor of Information Technology from the University of Queensland and a Master of Information Technology and an MBA from Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders ANZ, recognized for his leadership in IT management. Sam's strategic vision and leadership ensure Smithbridge Group remains at the forefront of technological innovation, improving IT system usability, adoption, and operational excellence, thus maximizing the return on IT investments.

Alan has over 40 years of experience in designing and construction bridges, marine structures and foundation elements, Alan has an indelible mark on numerous projects throughout his career. His meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach have set new benchmarks for quality and efficiency in the field. Beyond technical prowess, Alan is also a seasoned leader with extensive management experience. His collaborative leadership style fosters teamwork and creativity, ensuring that every member of the team feels valued and empowered. With relentless focus on quality work and safety, Alan instills a culture of accountability and excellence. What makes Alan’s selection into his role more special is his history with the company. It brings an intimate understanding of Smithbridge’s organization culture, values, and goals. This familiarity not only streamlines his transition into the role but it also strengthens the collective resolve to achieve greater heights together.

Melissa Kavanagh is a highly motivated and results-driven People and Culture Manager with a strong passion for driving growth and maximising the effectiveness of an organisation's investment in its people. Mel has a proven track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams in developing and executing integrated People and Culture strategies and communication plans. She has worked for national and international brands including Boeing, Schweppes, Crown Resort and Steel Mains. In her role as Group Manager for People and Culture she is responsible for driving the people agenda by leading cultural change initiatives, creating a high performance environment with a focus on employee well being. Mel provides strategic leadership and support to each Business Unit while implementing guidelines, policies, tools, and systems across the broader Smithbridge Group.