#USA #Chicago #Clayco #Russ Burns #Anthony Johnson

Executive Leadership Transition at Clayco: A New Era Begins

Clayco, an industry leader in design and construction, has officially ushered in a significant leadership change with the retirement of its long-serving CEO, Russ Burns, after over 17 years of service. Burns’ retirement, effective December 31, 2024, marks the end of a remarkable tenure during which he transformed Clayco into one of the largest builders of technical projects in the United States.

In his place, Anthony Johnson, a seasoned executive with 17 years of experience at Clayco, steps in as the new CEO. Johnson has held various leadership roles, notably as the President of Clayco’s Industrial Business Unit, where he successfully led initiatives that positioned the company as a top builder in the sector.

Bob Clark, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Clayco, expressed gratitude for Burns' outstanding contributions, highlighting his role in expanding Clayco's reach in technical, mission-critical projects. Under Burns' leadership, the company experienced rapid growth and development in various sectors.

A Vision for the Future

As the newly appointed CEO, Johnson is excited to take up the mantle and is committed to leveraging his experience to further the company’s legacy. He stated, “I’m humbled to take on this new role as Clayco’s CEO... I look forward to building on that foundation.” Johnson plans to prioritize scaling Clayco’s vertical offerings, which include design, engineering, procurement, and development, while also exploring new strategic markets.

His leadership will likely steer Clayco toward greater advancements in various sectors, including advanced manufacturing, data centers, life sciences, e-commerce, and the food and beverage industry.

Expanding the Leadership Team

To support Johnson in this transition and to catalyze further growth, Clayco is also expanding its leadership team. Notable changes include:

• - Shawn Clark, currently the CEO of CRG (Clayco's real estate development branch), has been appointed as Chief Strategy Officer.
• - Steve Sieckhaus has taken on the role of Enterprise President alongside his previous responsibilities as Enterprise COO.
• - Kevin McKenna, who currently serves as President of Construction, will also become the Chief Administrative Officer of the Clayco Enterprise.
• - Bret Litton has been promoted to Chief Business Officer, while Mike Pierle will take on the role of Chief Operating Officer for Construction.
• - The retirement of Jim Havel, the Chief Financial Officer, after more than 40 years in the financial sector. Kevin McKenna will succeed him as CFO of the Clayco Enterprise.

Looking Forward

The newly formed leadership team, including Carmen Hernandez (General Counsel), Katie Lane (Chief Talent Officer), and others, brings a diverse array of expertise to the forefront. Bob Clark emphasized that this team is uniquely positioned to meet and tackle the complex challenges that clients present, ensuring that Clayco remains at the forefront of the design-build industry.

As Clayco embarks on this new chapter under Anthony Johnson and an expanded leadership team, the company demonstrates its commitment to innovation and strategic growth. The foundation laid by Russ Burns will undoubtedly guide Johnson and his team as they navigate the future, building upon past successes to redefine excellence in the construction industry. For those interested in learning more about Clayco and its evolving leadership dynamics, details can be found at www.claycorp.com.