Together as leaders we aim to empower our staff to create the best possible business for our customers and the community

Our senior leadership

Ben Lawlor
Chief Executive Officer

Ben has held management roles with Tier 1 infrastructure providers both locally and internationally. He brings over 25 years civil construction and governance experience at scale including; major earthworks, road works, drainage, foundations, bridges, piling, industrial, D&C and commercial building projects.

In his capacity as Chief Executive Officer, he is responsible for the overall stewardship of CB Civil, setting the strategy to ensure we deliver to customer expectation. Ben has a reputation for building rapport with clients, delivering projects efficiently, profitably, and with strong health, safety & quality standards. 

Leaving a legacy of better communities, built through sustainable principles is what motivates our joint managing director.    

Greg Wichman
National Operations Manager

Proven leader, collaborator, project deliverer.

Greg brings a superior range of qualities, experience, learning and successes to CB Civil through a 30 year career in industry. He is a specialist in delivering customer-first outcomes by creating 'One Team' partnerships. 

Through a deep understanding of operational requirement including the risks of working in a live environment, Greg provides clarity and certainty to his projects. His strengths lie in the ability to bring client, contractor and project stakeholders into cohesive and collaborative units. 

Greg inspires through staunch advocacy of accountability and performance ownership.

Patrick Stevens
Chief Financial Officer

Patrick joined CB Civil as CFO to help develop and execute the key financial objectives of the group. Prior to joining he held senior roles at Armillary Private Capital (NZ), KPMG (NZ/US) and Lendlease Construction (UK).

A strong communicator, Patrick has experience across all disciplines of finance and accounting including; financial accounting, financial due diligence and substantial project finance experience gained in the delivery of the £3 Billion Elephant and Castle Development (UK).

Patrick graduated from the University of Otago in 2011 with a double major in Finance & Accounting and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Tom Fisher
Fleet Manager

Tom brings a wide range of experience from a career in civil construction, transport, and logistics roles throughout New Zealand.

As CB Civil’s Fleet Manager, Tom is responsible for the procurement of plant & equipment, the vehicle fleet and its operational management. He is motivated in the development and implementation of innovative fleet based technologies.

In his role, Tom has transformed fleet management systems and practices within the business during its latest growth phase. This has importantly included CB Civils procurement strategy to align with business objectives. 

Tom's strength lies in the ongoing improvement and technological advancement of CB assets to execute it’s projects; safely, efficiently and sustainably.

Dan Allison
Pre-Construction Manager

Dan Allison spearheads CB Civils' new business team driving sustainable growth, overseeing new business origination and project setup. With two decades of engineering expertise across diverse sectors and regions, including residential, commercial, and complex civil projects, Dan fosters enduring client relationships. A chartered engineer, Dan brings strategic acumen to pre-contract activities, ensuring cost efficiency and risk mitigation. Notable roles at Acciona NZ and CPB NZ showcase his adept project management, driving successful outcomes in high-profile endeavors like the expansion of Hong Kong International Airport. Dan's commitment to excellence underscores his leadership in delivering projects on time and within budget.   

Ali Jafari
Business Controls Manager

Ali holds a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering and a Doctorate in Business Administration, bringing 29 years of diverse industry experience across automotive, manufacturing, and construction, having worked with global leaders like Scania and Mercedes-Benz. With civil engineering in the family, Ali was immersed in construction from an early age.

As Business Controls Manager at CB Civil, Ali is responsible for leading the implementation of our Integrated Management System (CBIMS) and IT framework, ensuring compliance through internal and external audits (including ISO), and supporting strategic planning and business development. They play a pivotal role in improving cross-functional efficiency and enabling consistent delivery through robust systems and governance.

Motivated by the opportunity to drive growth through innovation, Ali is passionate about streamlining processes, enhancing project performance, and bringing his global experiences to support CB Civil’s ambitious vision for New Zealand’s infrastructure sector.

Samantha Denz
HR Manager

CB Civil is all about its people and no one embodies this more than Sam, our HR Manager.

Sam thrives on connecting with individuals across the business and making a meaningful impact through every interaction.

With deep expertise in the people and culture space, she leads our HR function with confidence, care, and strategic insight. Her knowledge spans across all facets of human resources, enabling her to provide sound guidance, drive initiatives, and support the growth of both individuals and teams.

Sam plays a vital role in shaping CB Civil’s success by developing our people, championing engagement, and cultivating a workplace culture where everyone can thrive.