Trevor Pease Departs KHL Group, Signaling a Turning Point for Crane-Industry Trade Media

30 Second Takeaway

Trevor Pease, longtime Chief Operating Officer of KHL Group and the founding force behind American Cranes & Transport, is no longer with the company. While no formal public announcement has been issued, his departure marks the end of a defining era in crane-industry publishing and raises broader questions about the future direction of trade media as the sector transitions from print-centric models toward digital-first engagement..

A Pillar of Crane-Industry Media

Trevor Pease’s association with KHL Group spans more than three decades. Joining the company in 1992, he progressed through senior commercial leadership roles before launching American Cranes & Transport (ACT) in 2005, establishing what would become the flagship North American publication dedicated to heavy lifting, transport, and rigging.

In January 2021, Pease was appointed Chief Operating Officer of KHL Group, overseeing global operations during a period of significant change for business-to-business media.

Under his stewardship, ACT evolved beyond a quarterly magazine into a platform that supported industry advocacy, major events, and long-term collaboration with organisations such as the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA).

The June 2025 issue of ACT, featuring a special Perspective section marking the 20th anniversary of ACT100, stands as a clear example of Pease’s editorial legacy—combining historical context, technical insight, and community engagement.

The End of an Era for Print-Led Publishing

Pease’s departure represents more than a senior leadership change. For many in the crane and transport sector, it symbolises the closing chapter of a print-first era in trade journalismone that prioritised long-form technical storytelling, deep operator insight, and relationship-driven reporting.

Under Pease’s leadership, ACT maintained a strong North American identity even as KHL expanded globally. That balance between international reach and regional technical depth was a defining characteristic of the publication during his tenure.

What His Exit May Signal

While KHL Group has not publicly outlined its next steps, Pease’s exit inevitably prompts questions about future strategy:

Modernisation and Digital Direction

Pease led a media organisation rooted in print, even as digital channels expanded. His absence raises questions about whether KHL will accelerate investment in social media, multimedia storytelling, data platforms, and digital communities, or continue to rely on traditional publishing formats.

Editorial Identity

ACT under Pease balanced technical authority with strategic perspective. A leadership shift may result in editorial realignment potentially prioritising global coverage, data-driven insights, or commercial content over the field-level, North America-focused reporting that defined the brand.

Commercial Strategy vs. Editorial Independence

KHL’s evolution toward marketing services, content studios, and custom media solutions has been visible in recent years. Pease played a key role in managing the balance between commercial growth and editorial credibility. Without his influence, industry observers will be watching closely to see how that balance is maintained.

Broader Shifts in Crane-Industry Trade Media

Pease’s departure also reflects wider forces reshaping trade publishing:

• Niche Convergence: Traditional print titles must now compete with podcasts, newsletters, social platforms, and independent digital outlets.

• Data Over Narrative: Fleet utilisation, auction pricing, capacity indices, and market intelligence are increasingly valued alongside editorial commentary.

• Global vs. Local Focus: Maintaining relevance to regional operators while serving a global audience remains a persistent challenge.

• Community Engagement Models: Events, virtual forums, and multimedia storytelling are becoming essential tools for audience retention.

An Inflection Point for Industry Journalism

Trevor Pease leaves behind a substantial legacy one built on credibility, consistency, and deep industry relationships. His impact on crane-industry journalism is difficult to overstate.

As KHL Group moves forward, it faces a pivotal question:How does a legacy trade publisher honour its print heritage while adapting to a digital-first, engagement-driven future?

Whether American Cranes & Transport continues along its established path or evolves into something markedly different, Pease’s influence will remain embedded in the publication’s DNA.

For the crane-industry media landscape as a whole, this moment represents not just a leadership changebut a crossroads.