“Darren is a highly motivated individual who always strives to do his best while inspiring those around him to do the same,” says our Growth and Strategy Manager, Anthony Serpo. “He is methodical, practical, and a strong leader who shares his knowledge with the team,” he adds, speaking about our new Production Manager, 28 year old Darren Phillips. “He is always willing to get his hands dirty and get the job done, no matter what it takes.”

Hailing from the historic town of Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, England, Darren Phillips grew up surrounded by both rich history and a bustling family life. As one of nine siblings, it’s fair to say he has mastered the art of adaptability, patience, and diplomacy growing up! His family has strong ties to the industry, with his father and younger brother both working in construction, while his younger sister has recently embarked on her own path, studying Civil Construction Management at university.

Darren moved to Western Australia in 2009, following his family in search of “blue skies and sunshine.” Drawn to hands-on work, he explored various trades, including woodwork, metalwork, and electrical engineering. A natural problem-solver, he initially pursued an apprenticeship in cabinet making before an unexpected turn led him into the asphalt industry. Starting at Boral, he soon became deeply involved in asphalt production, spray seal operations, and even float driving, transporting heavy machinery between sites. His journey took him from Boral to Downer and, ultimately, toKEE Group—where his positive attitude and team-player mentality have been welcomed.

“Darren’s commitment to KEE is unwavering,” says our CEO, David Cox. “He is truly passionate about his work, and his dedication is evident not only in his contributions on-site but also in the great project photos and drone-film footage he shares on LinkedIn.” Before joining KEE Group, Darren was already familiar with the company, having supplied them with asphalt mix since 2017.

“I’ve always been impressed with how driven everyone at KEE is—not just to get the job done, but to get it done right, efficiently, and profitably,” says Darren. “I always felt frustrated when I worked for larger companies, as it seemed like they were on cruise control. Big companies just expected work to land on their doorstep, and they didn’t really feel the need to innovate or invest—at least not in WA.”

Darren’s role involves overseeing the logistics of personnel and material movements, ensuring all equipment is well-maintained, and providing support across KEE’s Surfacing division. His position demands quick thinking, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of both the technical and operational aspects of asphalt production. “Every day is an enjoyable day. The guys at KEE are always appreciative when you help them, and they’re just as willing to lend a hand when you need it. We’ve got each other’s backs.”

He recalls a wise supervisor once telling him, “When things get tense on the job, make sure you leave it on-site. Don’t let it affect your willingness to have a beer with that same person after work.” In an industry that demands both precision and teamwork, this philosophy has served him well.
Outside of work, Darren enjoys life in Perth with his partner, Tatum, their nine-year-old daughter, Lily, and cat, Felix.

Words by K.Quinn