Driving Innovation Through Technology: Raun Hunt’s Journey at Cavpower

Raun’s career began in 1999 at his family’s business, S & B Mobile Auto Electrical, one of South Australia’s first mobile auto electrical services. As an apprentice Auto Electrician, he gained early exposure to technical problem-solving and customer service. Over time, he managed daily operations, mentored apprentices and developed expertise in custom wiring for street, show and race cars.

In 2011, Raun entered the mining and earthmoving industry with Exact Contracting, working across mine sites in South Australia. This role expanded his technical skills to large-scale machinery and he went on to complete his trade qualification as a Heavy Diesel Mechanic.

Raun joined Cavpower in 2014 as a Field Service Technician before moving into leadership roles including Field Service Coordinator and Service Operations Centre Manager. He later became Group Parts Manager overseeing parts operations across South Australia and Broken Hill.

A key turning point in his journey was the Cavpower Management Intern Programme, which he joined  in 2018. Mentored by senior leaders including CEO Mark Garrad, he developed his leadership skills and led major initiatives such as Caterpillar’s Get Connected programme, a Caterpillar Parts Return Authorisation and the relocation of Cavpower’s Service Operations Centre from Enfield to Gepps Cross.

Today, as Manager of Technology Solutions, Raun leads Cavpower’s technology strategy focusing on Caterpillar’s advanced machine technologies such as the MineStar suite. MineStar has the ability to track, monitor, automate and manage all types of assets, from people to production machines to light vehicles on site. He also oversees Cavpower’s technical support function, ensuring customers get the best outcomes from their equipment through optimised performance, troubleshooting and upgrades.

His role brings together strategy, leadership and technical expertise. On any given day, Raun may be reviewing connected machine data, guiding his team, collaborating with stakeholders on new rollouts or supporting customers directly.

One of Raun’s proudest achievements was leading the fit-out of Cavpower’s Gepps Cross Parts Centre, which included implementing the cutting-edge AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system. He managed the complex integration of Cavpower’s Dealer Business System with the AutoStore interface, delivering a project that significantly improved efficiency and transformed warehouse operations.

He also successfully led the relocation of the Service Operations Centre, overseeing multiple business units including workshops, rebuilds, hydraulics, welding, field service and lube truck operations. These projects not only strengthened Cavpower’s operations but also showcased Raun’s ability to lead large-scale transformation initiatives.

For Raun, the true measure of success lies in outcomes for customers. By aligning Cavpower’s technology strategy with customer needs, his team ensures they get the most value from their Caterpillar machinery whether through greater productivity, improved safety or increased efficiency.

Recent investments such as the R2900XE loader and Cat Command system are a testament to this approach. These technologies provide hands-on training for Cavpower staff and customers, ensuring smooth adoption and ongoing support.

Raun’s leadership style is collaborative and flexible, focused on empowering people to contribute and grow. He encourages open dialogue, peer-to-peer mentoring and knowledge-sharing across teams. Watching team members succeed and knowing he’s played a role in their development is one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

As industries evolve, Raun sees Cavpower moving beyond being just an equipment provider to becoming a trusted technology partner. By integrating connected solutions, Cavpower is helping customers make smarter decisions, reduce downtime and achieve long-term sustainability.

Away from work, Raun values time with his family at their shack on the River Murray at Walker Flat, where summer weekends are filled with boating, skiing, kneeboarding and wakeboarding. In winter, he is a proud Adelaide Crows member, rarely missing a game at Adelaide Oval.

Raun is also deeply committed to community causes. He has been a long-time participant in Ski for Life, a charity event raising awareness for mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention. By 2026, he will mark his eighth year with his team, Ski 4 T, a cause close to his heart after experiencing personal loss and witnessing its impact on others.

From apprentice Auto Electrician to Manager of Technology Solutions, Raun Hunt’s career is defined by growth, perseverance and a passion for innovation. His journey reflects Cavpower’s own evolution, built on technical expertise, strengthened through leadership and driven by a vision to deliver smarter connected solutions that create lasting value for customers.