Titan Cranes Ltd Heads for New Era

12 January 2009

Titan Cranes Ltd is heading into a new era with some old hands at the controls. Titan Plant Services and Titan Cranes are now operating as separate companies, a situation which has brought about new appointments and a fresh approach to leadership.

At the beginning of 2009 Gordon Stone was appointed CEO of Titan Cranes, a result of separating Titan‘s companies so respective CEOs can fully concentrate their time and energies on growing particular parts of the business.

A Titan man since 1970 when he joined the company in Lower Hutt, Gordon brings a wealth of experience, including a background in engineering, technical knowledge and enthusiasm to his new position. He has held a range of positions over the past 38 years including Branch Manager in Christchurch, South Island Manager, General Manager and now CEO of Titan Cranes.

Gordon is known for his enthusiasm and encouragement of staff, especially when it comes to feedback and new ideas. "That‘s my style I guess," he says. "I like to work alongside people rather than in front or behind them."

A close friend and colleague of the late Max Whiley, founder and director of Titan Plant Services, Gordon is now working with Max‘s two sons Bruce Whiley and Owen Whiley.

Restructuring of Titan Cranes Ltd has led to the creation of a Business Development Manager role, which has been filled by Bruce Whiley. With credentials in engineering and marketing, 16 years experience in sales and marketing within Titan Plant, plus a recent stint as Strategy Manager for Titan Holdings, Bruce is well qualified for his new challenge.

As Business Development Manager he will develop and manage the marketing of Titan Cranes, and Titan Cranes‘ property requirements.

Like Gordon and Bruce, Owen comes from an engineering background and has embraced his new position as Operations Manager. He too has a comprehensive background, including 27 years with the company in a range of positions from Crane Master Technician through to Fleet Controller.

As Operations Manager Owen will continue his responsibilities for the crane and vehicle fleets but will also work closely with Gordon to assist branches and their managers. Additionally, workshop and maintenance issues, projects and customer enquiries will come under his domain.

Gordon is conscious that Titan Cranes, like most New Zealand companies, could be heading into challenging times. "We‘re not at the bottom of the economic cycle in New Zealand yet," he says. "There‘s definitely a downturn in the construction industry but you‘ve got to get yourself in a position so that when you come out you‘ll be stronger. That‘s the way I see it and if you don‘t have that attitude then you just won‘t be there."