Skanska USA Expands With New Hires, Appointments

By IvyLee Rosario

Robert Ward, Skanska COO

New York—Skanska USA Commercial Development announced significant changes as it adds to its real estate development team.

“Since launching in 2009, our development operation has grown into a thriving real estate business with major successes across the country,” said Shawn Hurley, president & CEO of Skanska, in prepared remarks. “We have developed state-of-the-art headquarters for world-renowned brands like PwC and Brooks Sports and have emerged as a leader in sustainable development, proving our mettle as a national developer with a platform that can be successful in any market.”

Robert Ward will take on the new position of COO and join the company’s Deal Review Committee as a permanent member of the risk management team. He will focus on driving Skanska’s corporate initiative and will oversee the group’s newly centralized professional services support team, which includes sustainability and communications, among others. Ward will consolidate these special groups into one team to assist the regional teams in delivering best-in-class, innovative projects.

Mark Carroll will replace Ward as executive vice president for development operations in Washington, D.C. Since joining Skanska seven years ago, Carroll has taken a leadership role on numerous Skanska Commercial Development and has overseen land acquisition and development of office, retail, multifamily and hotel projects throughout the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore markets. Matt Damborsky will take over as executive vice president for the Houston Market and will oversee all development operations from land acquisition to divestment.

Christopher Westley, VP of Marketing, Skanska USA

In addition to growing its senior management team, the company has also hired new support personnel, who will report to the COO and support corporate and regional operations.

Christopher Westley joins the team as vice president of marketing. He will focus on elevating the brand in customer-facing marketing materials and helping leadership develop customer-centric marketing strategies to support land acquisition, tenant leasing and property divestment. Ryan Salvas was hired as director of innovation and Jason Timmerman has been promoted to director of environmental health & safety.

“We want our company to be known as an incubator for innovation and a leader in safe, sustainable practices,” added Hurley. “As our business matures, it is imperative that we provide our teams with world-class resources and technology to continue to deliver the most sustainable properties with offerings that our customers and investors want.”

Images courtesy of Skanska USA