Meet our new CEO, previously director at the UK’s largest hoist rental company

Meet our new CEO, previously director at the UK’s largest hoist rental company

Smartsite (formerly SmartHoist) has appointed Edwin Verpoort as its new Chief Executive Officer. With 26 years of experience and 15 years leading RECO Hoist, the UK’s largest hoist rental company, Verpoort brings unmatched expertise.

Robin Looijen's Profile Picture

Robin Looijen

Meet our new CEO, previously director at the UK’s largest hoist rental company

Table of Contents

    New CEO Smartsite: Former Director RECO

    His leadership will support Smartsite as it enters its next phase of growth.

    Verpoort officially stepped into his new role on 1 January 2025. He now leads Smartsite’s expansion beyond hoists, driving the company’s mission to modernise the construction industry through user-friendly technology that delivers measurable impact.

    Expanding Smart Hoist with passion

    “I am excited to lead Smart Hoist at this pivotal time. By shifting from traditional metal-focused solutions to software-driven technologies, we are tackling the industry’s greatest challenges head-on. The construction industry needs software that seamlessly integrates into existing workflows, requiring no drastic changes but empowering teams with the knowledge and tools to enhance productivity and safety. This is what we define as user-friendly technology. Practical solutions that fit the realities of an industry built on hands-on work, not time spent behind a desk. Smart Hoist is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation with bold, practical innovations that deliver real results for our customers.”

    Under Verpoort’s leadership, Smartsite aims to set the standard for hoist operations across the UK within three years, while expanding rapidly into the USA, UAE, and Canada.

    The shift from SmartHoist to Smartsite reflects the company’s broader ambition: delivering a complete suite of smart, connected technologies that solve real challenges on construction sites.

    Future construction in Smartsite

    Smartsite Team

    Smartsite is evolving from a hoist-focused solution to a fully connected ecosystem for the entire construction site. This expansion includes real-time worker tracking through tools like SmartWorker, monitoring of unsafe zones, floor-specific wireless communication, AI-driven safety cameras, advanced safety systems, and material inventory tracking.

    These technologies give contractors unprecedented insight into how their sites operate. They improve safety, reduce delays, and increase overall productivity by turning real-time data into clear, actionable decisions.

    Built on the values of bravery, simplicity, and authenticity, Smartsite is redefining what future construction looks like. The company’s mission is clear: help every site become safer, smarter, and more efficient, using technology that supports how teams truly work.Ready to improve your site? Talk to our specialists.

    Robin Looijen

    Partner & CMO

    Robin Looijen is Partner and CMO at Smartsite. He blends tech insight with real-world construction site experience. Robin has been in the construction industry for over seven years and visited construction sites globally. From New York to Dubai and from Toronto to Mumbai. He’s been at the front line of construction tech adoption, following global digital trends while staying grounded in the daily realities of site teams. Robin understands that for technology to succeed in construction, it can’t disrupt. It has to fit into existing workflows and deliver immediate value. At Smartsite, he leads international growth and product development. He helps shape innovations like SmartWorker, translates client feedback into new features, and supports teams rolling out the system worldwide. He posts very regularly on LinkedIn about his experience on sites worldwide. Follow our journey!

    Robin