Martin Kirby

Managing Director at Johnson Arabia

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About

A results driven performer with a track record of building businesses from concept as well as through organic growth and acquisition across several continents in a variety of different rental related activities. Responsible for the financial growth of several businesses within the lifting field across the GCC and a focus to engage employees in the long term vision of a family owned entity .

Experience

  • Managing Director at Johnson Arabia (L.L.C.)
    Aug 2019 - Present · 6 yrs 11 mos

    • Creating strategic leadership and vision to steer Johnson Arabia’s progression and expansion plans in the heavy equipment rental industry since 2019 • Developing and implementing effective business strategies to attain financial targets, increase market share, while adhering to companies 25 year reputation of excellence. • Building and managing a high-performing team of professionals whilst encouraging a culture of teamwork, innovation in lifting, and continuous advancement for the overall business. • Improving and maintaining strong relationships with major clientele, suppliers, and industry stakeholders in the region to ensuring excellent customer service and satisfaction. • Implementing strategies to promote business across the GCC, including areas like Oman and Saudi Arabia. • Monitoring and evaluating industry trends, market conditions, and competitor activities to identify new business opportunities and mitigate prospective risks. • Understanding industry best practices and new innovations in lifting technology to keep company assets up to date and safety compliant. • Directly Liaising with board of directors and shareholders to prove a trusted overview of Johnson Arabia’s outlook as a business since 2019. • Representing Johnson Arabia at key industry events and being recognised on the Construction power list for three consecutive years since 2020 and leading the team to win “Lifting achievements of the year” for 2022 and 2023.

  • Managing Director at WOLFFKRAN Arabia
    Apr 2011 - Dec 2024 · 13 yrs 9 mos

    • Develop and execute Wolffkran Arabia’s business strategies in order to realise goals of the board and shareholders • Prepare strategic documents for the board and Chairperson for an accurate view of the market and the company’s future • Planning cost-effective operations and market development activities. • Adhering to policies and legal guidelines and ensuring they are communicated to the team and are followed at all times. • Maintain trust relationships with business partners and authorities if required to help the operations team during crane erection • Oversee the Financial Director and use recommendations of financial performance to invest in equipment and for other strategic alliances in the region • Analyse market trends for problematic situations or market opportunities to ensure Wolffkran Arabia s growth • Delegate responsibilities and supervise the sales team to provide guidance and motivation for maximum performance • Represent Wolffkran Arabia at industry events and industry social gatherings and getting recognition as one of the Manufacturers of the year 2020 and 2022 in the GCC region.

  • Managing Director at KANOO CRANES LLC
    Apr 2017 - Aug 2024 · 7 yrs 5 mos

    • Establishing company goals, objectives and utilization goals for all heavy equipment. • Advising the board of directors on strategic plans, issues and recommendations for future growth • Developing business plans and strategies with head of Operations, sales team and supervisors to reach yearly targets and promote growth across the GCC • Building relationships with external experts and clients for collaborations and growth. • Resolving any disputes and large scale operational hinderance to bring projects back on track. • Monitoring market trends and needs to understand industry practises to upgrade existing fleet and assets. • Understanding industry best methods in lifting technology to keep company assets and team up to date and safety compliant. • Overseeing the Financial Director and utility metrics in performance and usage of assets/ equipment to either invest in equipment or for other strategic alliances in the region • Maintaining key relationships between local authorities and business partners to ensure safe and compliant usage of all equipment.

  • International Sales Director/General manager at Sykes Group
    Sep 1997 - Mar 2011 · 13 yrs 7 mos