Clayco Taps New CEO, Launches Advanced Technology Unit

Clayco has named Anthony Johnson as its new CEO, replacing Russ Burns, the company announced Wednesday.

The Chicago-based company elevated Johnson, a 17-year company veteran, to CEO from his previous roles as executive vice president and president of Clayco's industrial business unit. He succeeds Burns, who retired effective Dec. 31.

“Russ Burns has been a transformational leader for Clayco,” Bob Clark, founder and executive chairman at Clayco, said in a release. “But I am also extremely excited about the future under Anthony's leadership. ... I am confident that Anthony will build on Russ' legacy and position Clayco for even greater growth as a leader in the design-build industry.”

In conjunction with Johnson's appointment, the company also launched Clayco Compute, an integrated data center delivery business unit focused on specialized construction of advanced technology centers. Clayco's expansion aims to capitalize on the growing demand for advanced data center and quantum computing construction projects. 

In 2024, Clayco generated $3.6B in revenue on data center projects, accounting for half of the total company revenue and more than doubling its contribution from $1.5B in 2023. The company projects Clayco Compute will continue that growth in 2025 and reach more than $4.5B in revenue by 2026.  

“Clayco Compute is a game-changer for our company and the clients we serve,” Ryan McGuire, who will serve as president of the new unit, said in the release. “This dedicated business unit allows us to be laser-focused on delivering unmatched expertise and streamlined solutions to an industry that is evolving at a remarkable pace.” 

Clayco also made several other changes to its executive team. They include:

• Shawn Clark, CEO of CRG, Clayco's real estate development arm, will fill Clayco's newly created chief strategy officer role.
• Steve Sieckhaus, enterprise chief operating officer, has also assumed the role of enterprise president.
• Kevin McKenna, the current president of construction, will assume the newly created chief administrative officer role.
• Bret Litton, senior vice president of finance, was promoted to chief business officer.
• Mike Pierle was 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 advisory board.
• Justin Lienemann was promoted to succeed Havel as chief financial officer.