KraneBurg's leaders are some of the hardest visionaries in the industry.

Our success is recognised in the way we achieve, as much as what we achieve. Meet the people who lead our quest for better.

Leadership team

Executives

Thomas Schmitz

President & Founder

Thomas Herman Schmitz was born on June 17, 1959, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Raised as an only child in a middle-class household, Thomas spent much of his formative years growing up in Berlin, Germany. This multicultural upbringing shaped not only his worldview but also his distinctive accent, influenced by his Danish mother and his father, who hailed from the Saxon region of Germany.

Thomas’s father was a highly respected construction engineer whose work left a lasting mark on European infrastructure. Among his most notable achievements was his contribution to the underwater bridge connecting Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. His father’s dedication, discipline, and engineering excellence deeply inspired Thomas and played a pivotal role in shaping his career aspirations. Although his father has since passed away, Thomas continues to regard him as his greatest hero and guiding influence.

Committed to following in his father’s footsteps, Thomas pursued his education in engineering and construction across Germany and the United Kingdom, gaining a solid academic foundation and international exposure. These experiences equipped him with both technical expertise and a global perspective on construction practices.

Seeking new opportunities, Thomas later relocated to the United States, eventually settling in Guam. There, he co-established Kraneburg Constructions, a company built on the principles of quality, integrity, and innovation. Through his work, Thomas has combined European engineering traditions with modern construction standards, contributing meaningfully to the industry and the communities he serves.

Karen Rothman

Co-Founder

Karen Annabel Rothman was born on February 14, 1972, in the quiet historic town of Sandomierz, Poland. She was raised as an only child in a middle-class household, where strong values of discipline, education, and perseverance were instilled in her from an early age.

Karen spent her formative years in Poland, an experience that shaped her cultural identity and worldview. Her upbringing reflects a blend of influences from her Polish mother and her father, who hailed from St. Petersburg, Russia. This multicultural background contributed to her distinctive accent and broadened perspective, which would later serve her well in international and professional environments.

Driven by ambition and a clear sense of purpose, Karen relocated to the United States to pursue higher education. She enrolled at the University of Chicago in Illinois, where she distinguished herself academically, graduating at the top of her class. From an early age, Karen had aspired to become a civil engineer, a dream she pursued with unwavering determination.

Over the course of her career, Karen Annabel Rothman has built a respected legacy within the construction and engineering industry. Known for her technical expertise, dedication, and commitment to excellence, she has made significant contributions to the field of civil engineering, earning recognition for both her leadership and professional integrity.