Boom Logistics Managing Director and CEO Ben Pieyre has dedicated more than 18 years to the crane industry with a career that began as a fleet controller in 2006.
Since joining Boom Logistics in September 2019, Ben has ascended through the ranks to lead the ASX-listed company which provides customised lifting solutions and project logistics across Australia and Asia–Pacific.
Previously serving as Chief Operating Officer, Ben showcased his leadership skills, taking on the role of interim CEO in February 2023, officially becoming Managing Director and CEO in July 2023.
As well as leading Boom Logistics, Ben is also the Chair and President of the Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA), the leading voice in the crane industry in Australia, reflecting his steadfast commitment to fostering a safe, sustainable and innovative culture within the industry.
With a leadership philosophy rooted in authenticity and inclusivity, Ben believes in empowering his team, an ethos that has resulted in increased employee engagement and morale, which has directly contributed to Boom Logistics’ success.
“I believe in fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. This approach encourages innovation and ownership, as team members are more likely to invest in the company’s success when they feel their contributions matter,” he stated.
Originally from France, Ben holds extensive operational experience in civil construction, industrial services, maintenance sectors, human resources, industrial relations, and engineering internationally.
Prior to joining Boom Logistics, Ben served in senior leadership positions within the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies.
He holds an advanced diploma in leadership and management, along with qualifications in business management, human resources, commerce and marketing.
“As a migrant to Australia in my early twenties, I have been fortunate to travel around the country and live in regional and remote parts of Western Australia for over 10 years. These experiences have given me a true appreciation of the Australian culture where a collaborative approach is such an essential tool to success, particularly in remote towns or work sites,” he said.
Reflecting on his career journey to CEO, Ben advise his younger self to be bold and embrace failure as a crucial part of the learning process. He recognises that early in his career, he viewed failure as a setback rather than a learning opportunity.
“As a young leader in my early thirties, I faced numerous challenges that made me resilient and taught me the importance of adaptability. I’ve since learned that some of the most valuable lessons come from mistakes,” he said.
This mindset has shaped his resilience and adaptability, key traits that empower him to navigate challenges effectively. “If we face our mistakes with resilience and adapt, we can grow as people and as leaders. Understanding this earlier would have helped me to take more calculated risks and push boundaries.”
In challenging times, Ben focuses on clear communication and being supportive. “Keeping a team motivated during tough times requires clear communication, transparency and support, but also accountability. These factors combined are the key to getting buy-in during challenging times,” he said.
“At Boom Logistics, this leadership style has led to tangibly higher employee engagement, improved morale and ultimately better business outcomes. By leveraging the diverse perspectives within our team, we’ve been able to navigate challenges more effectively and capitalise on new opportunities.”
During challenging environments such as the global financial crisis and the downturn during COVID, Ben found that recognising and celebrating small wins along the way can boost morale and reinforce a sense of progress. “Providing resources for professional development and maintaining an open-door policy for addressing concerns also ensures that my team feels supported and valued, even during challenging periods,” he noted.
By sharing the bigger picture and recognising small wins, Ben fosters a sense of progress and purpose among his team at Boom Logistics. “I make it a point to share the ‘why’ behind our actions and management decisions, which helps everyone understand the importance of their role in achieving our goals,” he added.
When faced with complex decision-making, Ben balances data-driven analysis with his intuitive instincts which he has honed over the years. “Making decisions in uncharted territory involves a careful balance of analysis and intuition,” he noted.
By consulting with cross-functional teams and experts, Ben ensures that diverse perspectives inform his choices. He also calls on previous experiences when he worked in mining, refineries, oil and gas, construction and infrastructure to help shape his decisions.
“When faced with a new decision, I evaluate the potential risks and rewards by consulting with subject matter experts and stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives. Scenario planning and stress testing potential outcomes help me prepare for various possibilities. Ultimately, I weigh the benefits against the risks and aim to align any decision with our strategic goals and values,” he said.
Beyond business metrics, Ben is driven by the impact he can make on people and the communities they serve. “I’m passionate about creating a workplace where employees can thrive both professionally and personally,” he shared. “I’d like to think that we can all create a legacy that paves a path of positive outcomes the next generation can build on.”
His commitment to community engagement and sustainability reflects his belief that businesses can create positive societal change. “It’s about building a legacy that goes beyond profit – one that contributes to the betterment of society,” he said.
“Additionally, our initiatives in community engagement and sustainability are incredibly fulfilling. My experiences in working in remote communities have shown me the importance of these values.”
Under Ben’s leadership, Boom Logistics is not only well positioned as a market leader in the crane and logistics industry, but a company committed to collaboration and a sustainable future that will continue to drive growth and make a meaningful impact in the industry.
“Seeing the positive change we can bring motivates me to push our company towards greater achievements.”
