Clayco Announces Leadership Transition: Anthony Johnson Named CEO

Clayco, a prominent design-build firm, has announced the retirement of its long-serving CEO, Russ Burns, effective December 31, 2024. After more than 17 years with the company, Burns will transition to the role of Chairman of the Board of Advisors, where he will continue to provide strategic guidance and expertise to support Clayco’s growth.

Succeeding Burns as CEO is Anthony Johnson, a 17-year veteran of Clayco who most recently served as Executive Vice President and President of the company’s Industrial Business Unit. Johnson brings extensive experience in strategy and innovation within the construction industry. Under his leadership, Clayco’s Industrial Business Unit has become a market leader, delivering some of the largest and most technically advanced projects across the United States.

Bob Clark, Founder and Executive Chairman of Clayco, reflected on Burns’ transformative leadership. He highlighted Burns’ pivotal role in expanding Clayco into one of the country’s largest builders of technical, mission-critical projects. Clark also expressed excitement about Johnson’s appointment, noting his proven ability to lead diverse teams, navigate complex operations, and grow the company’s industrial construction business. Clark expressed confidence that Johnson would continue to build on Burns’ legacy and position Clayco for even greater success in the design-build industry.

As the new CEO, Johnson will focus on scaling and diversifying Clayco’s vertically integrated offerings, which include design, engineering, procurement, self-performance, and development. He will also spearhead the company’s expansion into new strategic markets while continuing its rapid growth in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, data centers, life sciences, e-commerce, and food and beverage.

Johnson conveyed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the new role, acknowledging the inspiration he draws from Clayco’s ability to tackle complex industry challenges. He expressed his commitment to building on the foundation laid by Burns, whom he described as a mentor and outstanding leader.

To support this leadership transition and position the company for its next chapter of growth, Clayco has expanded its leadership team:

• Shawn Clark, CEO of CRG (Clayco’s real estate development arm), has been named Chief Strategy Officer.
• Steve Sieckhaus, Enterprise Chief Operating Officer, has assumed the additional role of Enterprise President.
• Kevin McKenna, President of Construction, has been appointed 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.

Key members of Johnson’s leadership team also include Executive Vice President and General Counsel Carmen Hernandez; Chief Talent Officer Katie Lane; Senior Vice President of Risk Management Todd Friis; Senior Vice President of Government and Community Affairs Sandra Marks; Chief Information Officer Jeff Miller; Chief Growth Officer Michael Fassnacht; Ryan Abbott, President of the Southwest Region; and Elizabeth Zucker, President of Clayco’s St. Louis Business Unit.

Bob Clark emphasized that Clayco’s expanded leadership team brings together some of the most innovative and talented minds in the industry, positioning the company to address its clients’ most complex challenges. He expressed confidence that, with Anthony Johnson at the helm and this dynamic team in place, Clayco is poised to redefine excellence in the design-build space.

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