Speaking from experience: Doug Williams, Buckner chairman

Doug Williams, chairman of the board at Buckner Heavy Lift Cranes, delivering his heartfelt keynote at the 2025 World Crane and Transport Summit in Dublin, Ireland. Photo: Joe Mather/KHL Group

From starting out nearly 50 years ago as an ironworker, Doug Williams has gained vast experience in all aspects of the crane industry, culminating in his current position as chairman of the board at Buckner Heavylift Cranes.

The USA-based business has grown steadily and strongly to its current position as the 4th largest crane-owning company in the world, according to the long-running IC100 ranking. A key element of Buckner’s success came from Doug’s leadership and his conscious decision for the business to find and-or develop a niche for itself. In this case “becoming a category of one” was to focus on one particular type of crane.

From the beginning Doug wanted to be in an environment that was about more than just work and the money – a place that built relationships, trust and fairness. He has worked to that ever since, listening and learning everywhere he went.

Learn all about it in a video of Doug Williams’ keynote presentation at the World Crane and Transport Summit in Dublin, Ireland, on 18 and 19 November 2025.