Skanska, a global development and construction firm, today announced the appointment of Christopher Cardinale to Chief Operating Officer (COO) / Head of Investments. In this role, Cardinale will focus on maximizing operational efficiency within the commercial development division’s home markets, provide leadership for all commercial real estate investments, divestments, joint venture partnerships and asset management. This will also include co-leading the organization’s executive leadership team. In addition, the company announced that Jennifer Castrillon has been promoted to General Counsel and Senior Vice President. In this role, Castrillon will lead the internal legal team and serve as a member of the senior leadership team. Both appointments are effective starting June 21. Both positions will report to Robert Ward, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Skanska USA Commercial Development.
These announcements follow David Schmidt’s decision to retire as COO. Schmidt will work closely with the senior leadership team to ensure a smooth transition and succession.
“David has been a dedicated leader and peerless mentor for more than 26 tremendous years. His dedication to providing innovative solutions as COO for US Building and most recently as COO for Commercial Development have driven the success of more than 200 Skanska projects,” Ward said. ”I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish together and am grateful for his partnership.”
“Today’s announcement is a reflection of the strength and incredibly talented leadership team we have in place to continue to deliver innovative, customer centric office and multi-family properties across the country,” said Ward.
“The promotion of Chris to this new role comes at a critical time for Skanska USA Commercial Development. Operations and investments are a core function for managing our business which has matured over the past 10 years,” Ward added. “Filling this role with someone who has Chris’ level of expertise and deep knowledge of the company’s business will be key to our long-term success.”
“Jennifer has been a key contributor to the sales, acquisitions, and leasing transactions that have been vital to Skanska’s growth,” Ward said. “I am pleased that the company will continue to benefit from her extensive legal experience and expertise in this role.”
Cardinale has been General Counsel and a member of the organization’s senior leadership team for the past seven years where he established the internal legal team, led the company-wide governance roll-out, and has been lead participant in negotiating contracts for acquisitions, leasing, and disposition of assets for Skanska USA Commercial Development. Prior to joining Skanska in 2012 and following 11 years in private real estate transactions practice, Cardinale was a Development Executive and Assistant General Counsel for Clark Enterprises Inc. in Washington, DC.
Jennifer Castrillon joined Skanska USA Commercial Development in 2018 as Corporate Counsel providing legal and transactional support for the development teams in the Washington, DC, and Boston regions, and legal guidance on corporate initiatives. She also served as a key member of the group responsible for managing pandemic response for operational buildings within the company’s portfolio. Prior to Skanska, Castrillon spent 11 years in private practice executing a variety of real estate and corporate transactions for owners, operators and developers primarily focused in the DC metro area.