Black & Veatch Adds Leadership Hires to Meet Evolving Construction Demands | Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch Adds Leadership Hires to Meet Evolving Construction Demands

Appointments further strengthen B&V Construction’s focus on client outcomes

Rapid changes sweeping across the power generation, water infrastructure, federal and telecommunications sectors have clients aggressively seeking trusted partners who can deliver construction projects of all scales safely, on time and on budget. To meet these evolving demands, Black & Veatch, a leading provider of engineering, procurement and construction services, announced today that it has made two key hires within its newly formed Black & Veatch (B&V) Construction group.

The company has appointed James D. Byrd as Global Construction Director and Senior Vice President of B&V Construction, and JJ Mauk as Business Development Director for B&V Construction. Designed to enhance the company’s construction capabilities, B&V Construction will be responsible for driving standard and consistent construction processes, providing professional services and sharing best practices across the organization.

This new organization will provide governance and structure to construction practices, improve predictability in execution, improve cost control and manage risk by implementing global processes, procedures and tools, and develop and attract high-quality construction talent.

James D. Byrd, Global Construction Director and Senior Vice President, Black & Veatch Construction

Backed by three decades of experience in the construction industry, Byrd joins B&V Construction during a time of increased focus on maximizing capabilities and meeting client needs across all markets. Byrd will provide leadership and strategic direction while helping to position the business for future growth by driving standard and consistent construction processes and professional services across Black & Veatch.

Byrd brings strong industry experience in delivering complex large-scale projects on a global scale in a variety of markets, including energy and chemicals, infrastructure and power, life sciences and advanced manufacturing, and government.

“Our power, water and telecommunications clients are increasingly looking for a trusted partner in construction, one who can deliver safely, on time and on budget,” said Neil Riddle, Executive Committee Member and President of BVCI, part of the Black & Veatch family of companies and a leading provider of construction services. “Black & Veatch is uniquely positioned to provide quality construction solutions across these industries, and James’ industry-diverse global perspective and substantial project capture and execution experience will add invaluable insight and expertise.”

Prior to joining B&V Construction, Byrd served as Vice President and Director in Black & Veatch’s telecommunications business, where he was responsible for leading construction, procurement and logistics. His primary focus was on achieving company-wide strategic objectives through execution excellence and continuous improvement, gaining efficiencies through technology, and scaling self-perform execution capabilities to enable maximum control of critical-path and fast-track construction while providing cost and performance benefits.

JJ Mauk, Business Development Director, Black & Veatch Construction 

As Business Development Director for B&V Construction, Mauk will be responsible for handling non-competing construction projects. He will seek opportunities in adjacent markets, small cap construction, staff and craft augmentation, construction advisory services, maintenance, facilities management and decommissioning. Mauk will work closely with the business development functions across all of Black & Veatch’s business lines to ensure a cohesive approach to project pursuits. 

With more than 25 years’ experience with companies such as Caddell Power, LLC, Mauk is skilled in developing and fostering long-term client relationships. Mauk will work remotely from Atlanta, Georgia.

“We are making great strides in ensuring that Black & Veatch has the knowledge and expertise to deliver better projects to our clients, following through on our promise of predictable, quality service while continuing to strengthen our position in the marketplace,” said Riddle. “I look forward to working with James and JJ, and the rest of our team to enhance construction at Black & Veatch.”

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