Atlas Crane Service Appoints Bobby Creason as CEO
30-Second Takeaway
Atlas Crane Service has appointed Bobby Creason as chief executive officer, succeeding Charles Kent, who is stepping down to spend more time with his family. Creason brings nearly 30 years of equipment industry experience, including leadership positions at United Site Services, Booth Machinery, BlueLine Rental and Volvo Rents. He takes over a US crane, rigging and heavy haul business serving renewable energy and heavy industrial infrastructure customers. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, Atlas has been majority-owned by an Ares Management Infrastructure Opportunities fund since 2022.
Atlas Crane Service
Atlas Crane Service has named equipment industry executive Bobby Creason as its new CEO. He replaces Charles Kent, whose departure is motivated by a desire to spend more time with his family, according to the company. The appointment brings an executive with experience across equipment rental, machinery distribution and site services into the leadership of Atlas’s nationwide lifting and transport operation.
Nearly Three Decades of Equipment Industry Experience
Creason most recently served as CEO of United Site Services, a provider of portable sanitation and related site services. The company confirmed his transition from CEO to its board of directors earlier in 2026.
His previous positions include president and CEO of Booth Machinery and western regional vice president for BlueLine Rental. He also held several roles with Volvo Rents.
That career spans both regional equipment operations and executive leadership, bringing experience relevant to a business coordinating cranes, rigging services and specialised transport across multiple project locations.
Renewable Energy and Industrial Infrastructure
Atlas serves more than 250 customers throughout the United States, with a focus on renewable energy and heavy industrial infrastructure projects.
Its fleet includes All Terrain, Rough Terrain, hydraulic, crawler and telescopic crawler cranes, supported by heavy haul transport equipment.
The company’s services extend beyond crane supply to transportation, maintenance, repair and overhaul work. This gives customers access to lifting and logistics support for both construction and ongoing equipment servicing. Creason’s appointment places him at the head of that combined operation, encompassing equipment deployment, field services and customer support.
Ares Investment Provides Ownership Background
An Ares Management Infrastructure Opportunities fund acquired a controlling interest in Atlas in 2022. The investment remains part of the company’s ownership background as Creason assumes the CEO position. Atlas confirmed the controlling-interest acquisition in its leadership announcement.
About Atlas Crane Service
Atlas Crane Service LLC is a US crane, rigging and heavy haul provider headquartered in Aurora, Illinois. Zach Prentis established the company in 2009, developing a business that now supports customers across the United States.
Atlas combines crane services with rigging and specialised transport for renewable energy, industrial and infrastructure work. Its equipment offering spans multiple crane types, allowing it to support projects with different capacity, access and mobility requirements.
The company also provides transport and maintenance, repair and overhaul solutions. Its heavy haul services use specialised trailers and related transport equipment to move large loads between project locations.
Official website: www.atlascrane.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new CEO of Atlas Crane Service?
Bobby Creason has been appointed chief executive officer.
Who does Creason replace?
He succeeds Charles Kent, who is stepping down to spend more time with his family.
What experience does Creason bring?
He has nearly 30 years of equipment industry experience, with previous leadership roles at United Site Services, Booth Machinery, BlueLine Rental and Volvo Rents.
Where is Atlas Crane Service headquartered?
Atlas is headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, and serves customers throughout the United States.
Who owns a controlling interest in Atlas?
An Ares Management Infrastructure Opportunities fund acquired a controlling interest in the company in 2022.
