Our People

100%

INDIGENOUS & FEMALE OWNED

30%

INDIGENOUS EMPLOYMENT

100+

SKILLED EMPLOYEES

20%

FEMALE EMPLOYMENT

Leadership & Professionals

Jessie Risk

Managing Director, BTchLn

Jessie Risk is a proud Larrakia Aboriginal woman, entrepreneur, property developer, and the Founder and Managing Director of AKJ Services Pty Ltd. Since establishing the business in 2018, Jessie has led AKJ's growth into one of the Northern Territory's leading Indigenous-owned civil construction companies, delivering major civil, development, and Defence infrastructure projects across the Territory.

Under Jessie's leadership, AKJ Services has expanded to employ more than 100 personnel and operate a fleet of over 180 pieces of plant and machinery. She provides strategic direction across all facets of the business, including corporate governance, business development, financial performance, resource management, workforce development, and long-term growth planning.

Beyond the success of AKJ Services, Jessie is deeply committed to creating opportunities for Indigenous people and Territorians. As an advocate for Indigenous business growth and economic participation, she actively mentors and supports Indigenous Business Enterprise (IBE) start-ups, helping emerging business owners establish sustainable and successful ventures. She regularly shares her journey and insights at industry conferences, leadership forums, and women-in-business events, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and demonstrating what can be achieved through determination, resilience, and strong leadership.

A passionate supporter of her local community, Jessie believes in giving back and regularly contributes through sponsorships, donations, and community partnerships that create meaningful outcomes throughout the Territory.

Her achievements have been recognised through multiple industry and business awards, reflecting her outstanding contribution to construction, Indigenous enterprise, and regional economic development. Balancing her role as a successful business leader with being a proud mother of five, Jessie continues to lead AKJ Services with a strong focus on growth, opportunity creation, and leaving a lasting positive impact on communities across Northern Australia.

EDUCATION / RECOGNITIONS

Bachelor of Teaching, 2024 NAIDOC NT Person of the Year, 2023 NAWIC NT Crystal Vision Award Winner, 2022 NTIBN Female Business Leader and Business of the Year award winner, 2026 NTIBN Blak Impact Creator of the Year

ANTAL RETI

Director, BEng (Hons)

Antal Reti is a Director of AKJ Services and has been an integral part of the business since its establishment in 2018, working alongside his partner, Jessie Risk, to help transform a vision into one of the Northern Territory's leading Indigenous-owned civil construction companies. As a trusted business partner and strategic leader, Antal has played a pivotal role in the growth, diversification, and success of the organisation.

With more than 18 years of industry experience and a proven track record delivering complex projects across the Northern Territory, Antal is a highly accomplished Project Director and Manager with extensive expertise in civil construction, land development, infrastructure, and project delivery. He has a comprehensive understanding of the technical, operational, and commercial aspects of construction and development, enabling him to successfully lead projects from concept and estimation through to completion.

As both a business leader and active development partner, Antal brings a forward-thinking approach to project planning, engineering solutions, and operational execution. His strengths in project estimation, cost planning, construction methodology, and risk management provide significant value to clients and project stakeholders while ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard.

Known for his innovative mindset and practical problem-solving ability, Antal continually identifies opportunities to improve processes, optimise project outcomes, and deliver long-term value. His leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to continuous improvement have been instrumental in driving AKJ Services' sustained growth and reputation for excellence.

Within AKJ Services, Antal is responsible for project innovation, estimating, business improvement initiatives, and the successful delivery of new and existing projects across the company's diverse portfolio. His ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on industry knowledge makes him a key driver of the company's ongoing success and future development opportunities.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control (IECA), Diploma of Project Management, Contract Management Registered by Building Practitioner NT (unrestricted).

RICHIE WARD

General Manager, BEng

Richie Ward is the General Manager and Chief Estimator at AKJ Services, bringing more than 22 years of experience in civil construction, infrastructure delivery, urban development and executive leadership from across Australia. Richie is a qualified and highly experienced Civil Engineer, successfully leading delivery of major civil, transport and land development projects throughout the Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.

Having progressed through engineering, project management and senior leadership roles, Richie has extensive expertise in estimating, strategic planning, commercial management, project delivery and operational leadership. Throughout his career, he has overseen large-scale business growth, managed multi-disciplinary teams of more than 100 personnel, and led the successful delivery of some of Northern Australia’s most significant infrastructure and residential development projects.

Since joining AKJ Services in 2022, Richie has played an integral role in driving the company’s growth and project success, providing strategic direction, commercial oversight and leadership across the business. He is recognised for his strong technical expertise, practical leadership style and commitment to delivering safe, high-quality outcomes for clients and communities while championing local participation, Indigenous employment, training and workforce development initiatives which is why he makes such a good fit with AKJ Services.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control (IECA)

KRIS ZECHEF

Operations Manager NT & SA

With more than 25 years of experience across the civil construction, mining, and infrastructure sectors, Kris brings exceptional operational leadership and industry expertise to AKJ Services. Having successfully delivered projects throughout Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and South Australia, he has developed a reputation for driving performance, efficiency, and project success across diverse and challenging environments.

As Operations Manager, Kris provides strategic oversight of AKJ's people, plant, logistics, and resources across multiple projects, locations, and jurisdictions. His extensive experience spans major developments, bulk earthworks, mining infrastructure, and general construction, giving him a comprehensive understanding of project delivery from planning through to completion.

Kris combines strong commercial acumen with proven capabilities in risk management, capital expenditure (CapEx) planning, and operational optimisation. His ability to coordinate complex project requirements while maintaining a focus on safety, quality, and productivity is instrumental in supporting the continued growth and success of AKJ Services.

Renowned for his organisation, attention to detail, and hands-on leadership style, Kris ensures the seamless day-to-day operation of the business, providing clients and project teams with confidence that every aspect of delivery is managed to the highest standard.

EDUCATION

Certificate IV in Leadership and Management 25+ years of Industry Experience in construction across civil and mining.

JOHN KLAAS

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER - NT & SA, BEng

EVELYN CADDY

BUSINESS MANAGER, BAcc

MATT CHRISTOPHERS

DEFENCE SECTOR LEAD - NT & SA, BEng

JARRED TAYLOR

HSEQ MANAGER - NT & SA

SUZIE MYERSCOUGH

SYSTEMS & HR MANAGER

ASH BARNETT

HOTO MANAGER / PROJECT COORDINATOR

DAVID WARD

PROJECT MANAGER - SA, BEng, BBus

BRENDAN LAM

PROJECT MANAGER - NT, BEng

GEOFF HOLCOMBE

PROJECT MANAGER - NT & SA, BEng

SHANE RATCLIFFE

PROJECT MANAGER - NT, BEng

NAVEEN PULIPATI

ENGINEER, BEng

ANTHONY MUSTICA

ENGINEER, BEng

OUR STORY

AKJ Services is a 100% Larrakia female owned, managed and controlled civil construction company. We deliver across three streams: Civil, Development and Defence.

Established in 2018, AKJ Services has grown a strong reputation for successful project delivery and capable project management. Our relationship contracting approach is nuanced by our Larrakia cultural protocols and social impact benefits across employment and supply chain opportunities.

As a Territory family company we have a unique, internal management structures and systems that make us the right fit for any client. AKJ Services is known for flexibility, dynamism, skill, speed, quality and efficiency.

Capability Statement

Our mission

AKJ Services are committed to delivering quality and comprehensive civil construction and development services whilst exceeding our client’s expectations.

Being a local Indigenous owned, managed and operated company, we are dedicated to building professional and long-lasting relationships with our clients.

We are committed to provide training and career development opportunities to our people.

Our vision

To provide career opportunities for our family and other Larrakia people that will last generations. Building a business that be giving back to our community while making a difference.