In a significant leadership evolution for one of the nation’s prominent construction firms, Concord, California-based Swinerton has announced a key transition in its executive suite, marking a pivotal moment as the company navigates its future growth strategy. The change involves the retirement of a long-standing veteran and the promotion of an internal leader, signaling a carefully orchestrated succession plan designed to ensure continuity while injecting fresh perspective into its revenue-generating operations. Don Adair, the company’s esteemed Chief Revenue Officer and a figure instrumental in its expansion for over three decades, is set to retire on January 9. This move is not merely a personnel change but a reflection of a broader strategic realignment within Swinerton, which has seen several key leadership adjustments in recent months. The appointment of his successor, Chris Chany, from within the company’s ranks underscores a commitment to nurturing internal talent and maintaining the core values that have defined its market presence for years. The transition period, which began internally in June, has been structured to facilitate a seamless handover of responsibilities.
A Legacy of Growth and a New Chapter
Don Adair’s departure marks the end of an era at Swinerton, closing a distinguished career that spanned nearly four decades and saw the company achieve remarkable growth. Beginning his journey in 1988 as a project engineer, Adair steadily rose through the ranks, embodying the company’s culture of internal advancement. His tenure was particularly distinguished by his transformative leadership of the San Diego office, which he was instrumental in growing into a significant regional force. This success and his deep understanding of client needs and market dynamics ultimately propelled him into the executive leadership team. In 2019, he was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, a role in which he was responsible for architecting and overseeing the company’s comprehensive growth strategy. His leadership was characterized by a focus on building enduring client relationships and expanding Swinerton’s market share across various sectors. His retirement represents the culmination of a career dedicated to the firm’s success and sets a high benchmark for his successor.
Succeeding Adair is Chris Chany, a seasoned professional who currently serves as the director of the National Accounts team and is well-prepared to step into this critical role. Chany joined Swinerton in 2013 as a project manager and has demonstrated a keen strategic acumen and a deep commitment to the company’s client-centric philosophy. Having worked in close collaboration with Adair for nearly a decade, Chany has been deeply involved in the very framework he will now inherit and evolve. To ensure a completely seamless handover, the two have been working together on the transition plan since Adair’s retirement was first announced internally. Chany has affirmed his dedication to building upon the solid foundation laid by his predecessor, with a continued emphasis on strengthening client partnerships and identifying new avenues for sustainable growth. His promotion is a testament to Swinerton’s robust succession planning and its confidence in its next generation of leaders to steer the company toward future milestones and continued industry leadership.
Strategic Shifts and Future Focus
This executive transition is not an isolated event but a key component of a broader and more deliberate strategic recalibration occurring within Swinerton’s leadership. The company has been proactively making adjustments to its team to better align with emerging market trends and technological advancements in the construction industry. This forward-looking approach was further evidenced by the recent appointment of William Silva as the new director of national mass timber on December 11. Silva’s appointment is particularly noteworthy as it signals a significant investment in a specialized and sustainable construction method. His primary mandate includes the ambitious initiative of creating a dedicated mass timber center of excellence. This center is designed to consolidate Swinerton’s expertise and resources, fostering innovation and streamlining project delivery in this growing sector. The move also aims to create a more integrated and synergistic relationship with Timberlab, the company’s specialized mass timber affiliate, enhancing their collective capabilities and market positioning in this innovative field.
A Confluence of Experience and Vision
The series of leadership changes initiated by Swinerton ultimately reflected a sophisticated strategy aimed at future-proofing the organization. By elevating an internal leader like Chris Chany, the company ensured that the invaluable institutional knowledge and client relationship equity built over decades were preserved. Simultaneously, the strategic appointments in specialized growth areas, such as mass timber under William Silva, demonstrated a clear-eyed focus on innovation and sustainability. This dual approach of honoring legacy while embracing change positioned Swinerton to not only navigate but also lead in an increasingly complex and competitive industry. The firm’s deliberate actions highlighted an understanding that long-term success depended on a dynamic blend of seasoned experience and forward-thinking vision, setting a clear course for its next chapter of growth and industry influence.
