New Clayco CEO named after Russ Burns’ retirement

Burns, who has spent 17 years at Clayco, will remain as chairman of the board of advisors.

Johnson, executive vice president and president of Clayco’s industrial business unit, has also spent 17 years with the business.

The company said his priorities include scaling and expanding Clayco’s vertical offerings including design, engineering, procurement, self-perform, and development capabilities.

He will also spearhead Clayco’s entry into newly targeted strategic markets, while continuing the firm’s expansion within sectors like advanced manufacturing, data centres, life sciences, e-commerce, and food and beverage.

Bob Clark, founder and executive chairman at Clayco, said, “Russ Burns has been a transformational leader for Clayco. In his time as CEO, Clayco has rapidly expanded to become one of the largest builders of technical, mission critical projects in the United States, and we are beyond grateful for his contributions.

“But I am also extremely excited about the future under Anthony’s leadership. Since joining the company in 2008, I have watched him grow into a leader of diverse teams across complex operations, including developing our industrial construction business. I am confident that Anthony will build on Russ’ legacy and position Clayco for even greater growth as a leader in the design-build industry.”

The company also announced that it would strengthen its leadership at the same time as Johnson’s promotion. It has made the following changes:

• Shawn Clark, CEO of CRG, Clayco’s real estate development arm, will take on the newly created role of Clayco’s chief strategy officer.
• Steve Sieckhaus, enterprise chief operating officer, has also assumed the role of enterprise president.
• Kevin McKenna, the current president of construction, will also assume the newly created role of chief administrative officer of the Clayco Enterprise.
• Bret Litton, senior vice president of finance, has been promoted to chief business officer.
• Mike Pierle has been promoted to chief operating officer, construction.
• Jim Havel, Clayco Enterprises’ chief financial officer, is retiring after more than 40 years in the financial sector. Havel will continue to serve on Clayco’s board of advisors.
• Justin Lienemann has been promoted to succeed Havel as chief financial officer of the Clayco Enterprise.