Rob Ward, who led Skanska D.C.'s development operations for years, was promoted to chief operating officer of Skanska USA in December, and now he is moving up once again.

Skanska USA just named Ward CEO of its commercial development division.

Ward will replace Shawn Hurley, who is leaving the company after seven years. Ward will be based in Arlington, Virginia, and will oversee Skanska's commercial and multifamily developments across the country.

"Rob has been instrumental in the growth of our commercial development business in the United States and his knowledge of our markets and the real estate industry will make for a seamless transition," Skanska USA President Anders Danielsson said in a release.

During Ward's time leading the company's D.C. development, Skanska acquired more than 1.5M SF of office and multifamily development rights. Skanska is building three D.C. projects: the speculative 99 M office project in Capitol Riverfront; the Cleary Gottlieb-anchored 2112 Pennsylvania Ave. in the West End; and Tyber Place, a three-phase mixed-use project in NoMa.