Sanjesh Lal
Managing Director
Sanjesh Lal is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Managing Director of Keola with over 25 years of experience spanning civil engineering, land development, and construction management. He has successfully delivered more than $250 million in residential and commercial projects, including over 450 units across Auckland.
Industry Recognition & Leadership
BRANZ  – Construction industry representative for Building Research Advisory Council (BRAC) (helping shape research priorities around affordability, quality, resilience, and sustainability in New Zealand’s building sector).
Chairperson – Registered Master Builders West Auckland Branch (leading initiatives that raise standards and strengthen the construction community).
Industry Expert – Constructive Auckland Mini-Summit (discussion on the State of the Sector with government, industry, and community leaders).
Massey University – regular guest presenter sharing insights on project delivery, innovation, and sustainable construction to post grad students.
Key Achievements
Recognised with four Master Builders House of the Year Awards in 2025, including a place in the Top 100 homes nationwide.
Successfully directed large-scale social housing projects in partnership with Kainga Ora and Community Housing Providers, delivering quality homes that address New Zealand’s housing shortfall.
Ministry of Education - Property Project Programme Management Panel.
Pioneered construction waste reduction initiatives, diverting 12.6 tonnes of waste from landfill on a single project.
Trusted advisor to government agencies and CHPs, known for commercial acumen, transparent delivery, and sustainable outcomes.
Proven track record in medium-density housing, community infrastructure, and complex civil works requiring innovative engineering solutions.
Professional Background
Sanjesh’s career includes engineering consulting roles at Fraser Thomas, Harrison Grierson and WSP Opus, before establishing Keola Ltd in 2007. This foundation across both consulting and construction provides him with a holistic view of the development cycle—from planning and design through to successful delivery.
Rohil Lal
Operations Manager
Rohil Lal is the Operations Manager at Keola, with more than 12 years of experience in construction management, procurement, and quantity surveying. Since joining Keola, Rohil has played a pivotal role in delivering complex residential and commercial projects across Auckland, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Expertise & Leadership
Project Operations & Delivery – Directs and oversees projects from inception to completion, including planning, scheduling, budgeting and procurement.
Quantity Surveying – Experienced in cost control, tendering, and contract administration, with formal training in Construction Management (QS) complementing his Bachelor of Commerce.
Stakeholder Collaboration – Works closely with architects, engineers, subcontractors, and clients to translate design and commercial objectives into buildable solutions.
Safety & Compliance – Develops and enforces robust safety standards and operational policies across all Keola projects.
Key Achievements
Delivered major projects including:
- Kainga Ora – Medium Density Housing (45 Units) – Operations Manager & QS.
- Gaia Childcare – Senior QS, overseeing full construction lifecycle.
- Pavilion Hotel – Operations Manager & QS, ensuring seamless execution on a complex hospitality build.
- Private Client Medium-Density Housing (63 Units) – Quantity Surveyor.
Integral in Keola’s award-winning delivery of multiple projects, contributing to four Master Builders House of the Year Awards in 2025 (House of the Year).
Trusted by Community Housing Providers and private clients alike for his ability to balance commercial imperatives with quality outcomes.
Professional Approach
Rohil is recognised for his hands-on, solutions-focused leadership, ensuring projects run efficiently while maintaining transparency with clients and stakeholders. His dual focus on operational excellence and financial oversight makes him a key driver of Keola’s success in delivering residential, social housing, and commercial projects at scale.
Award winning
Our unique engineering approach to construction management is built on strong analytical minds that say there’s ‘never a problem, always a solution’.
We have an ethos of building things that work. Added to this an exceptional back office team who offer a streamlined, process driven approach to project delivery. On time with industry leading quality.
