The Dubai-based digital disruptor for the cranes and construction space, MyCrane, is strengthening its global management team with the appointment of industry veteran Piet Kraaijeveld as chief operating officer.
Based in Dubai, Mr Kraaijeveld’s task will be to grow the MyCrane business in all respects, including working with the crane rental platform’s existing franchisees around the world, and encouraging global energy, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors to register as customers on the site. He will also oversee sales activities to the full range of MyCrane clients, including prime contractors, ports, petrochemical and mining operators.
MyCrane has pioneered a free-to-use, digital crane rental service, allowing users to post their lifting requirements free of charge online. Crane rental companies then respond directly with their commercial offers, eliminating the need for customers to make multiple offline requests.
Other MyCrane services include a free crane Selector tool to help identify the right crane, advice for engineering, project management and support, and a Marketplace where equipment, rigging equipment, spare parts, auxiliaries and industry vacancies can be posted.
Mr Kraaijeveld has 30 years’ experience in the heavy lift and transport industry, working on multiple continents including North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He spent 11 years at General Electric and has extensive industry contacts among the EPC community, as well as the heavy lift and construction sectors.
Mr Kraaijeveld also spent 18 years in management roles at global heavy lift and engineering specialist Mammoet, serving in both Canada and Dubai. Most recently, he worked in Dubai as strategic account manager for Ritchie Bros., the international auctioneer for heavy industrial equipment.
Mr Kraaijeveld joined MyCrane on 22 June 2022. Welcoming him to his post, MyCrane founder and CEO Andrei Geikalo said, “Piet is a proven leader with deep experience in our sector and it is a pleasure to have him join MyCrane in this critical role.
“I’ve no doubt Piet’s extensive international connections and entrepreneurial spirit will be a great asset to MyCrane as we continue to roll out our service in more global markets.”
Mr Kraaijeveld said, “This is an exciting move for me because MyCrane is offering much-needed change in the construction sector. I can’t wait to get started and help customers save time and money on the cranes procurement process.”
MyCrane is already operational in the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, India, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The digital platform operates on a franchise basis and enquiries are welcomed from entrepreneurs who may be interested in operating the platform in their home countries.
