Skanska USA Inc. announced two promotions this week aligned with its continued growth in Oregon and its western region. Ross Vroman, who has led Skanska’s Portland-based operations, for the past 10 years, will see an expanded role as Executive Vice President and General Manager in Phoenix, while James Link, another long-time member of Skanska’s local leadership team, has been promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager for the Portland-area office. Skanska’s Portland office has partnered with its Phoenix office for several years to help grow Skanska’s presence in the southwest United States.
“This is a unique opportunity for us to utilize the strength of our people and deliver meaningful value to our customers in Arizona and the southwest,” said Skanska Co-Chief Operating Officer David Schmidt. “At the same time, we have a seamless transition in Portland that accentuates our focus on delivering an exceptional client experience on each and every project.”
The Phoenix Business Journal in December noted “strong employment gains in construction,” with gains showing growth of more than six percent since 2012. The journal also reported new engineering firms are relocating to the Phoenix area and finding the market attractive as well. “The greater Phoenix market continues to attract businesses from outside the state, which will lead to strong and sustained opportunities for Skanska,” added Schmidt.
Under Vroman’s decade of leadership in the Oregon and southwest Washington office, gross revenues have doubled. Skanska’s local leadership team agrees that its local business has seen strong growth by its commitment to client satisfaction, an injury-free environment and sustainability.
“This move also continues to facilitate a strong, functional management approach with our Arizona operations, and commitment to the Southwest marketplace,” Vroman said. “It is encouraging to see markets across the west, notably Portland and Phoenix, showing signs of economic vitality, especially in terms of construction.”
In July 2013, Skanska, which is active in both the building and civil construction markets, announced it had moved its building operations to 4742 North 24th Street in Phoenix, just south of Camelback Road. Skanska’s civil construction unit is still located in Peoria and will co-locate with the building group in early summer.
Link has previously served as senior vice president and account manager. In his new position, his primary responsibility will be to continue the implementation of Skanska’s business plan in Portland and to drive the strategic growth of markets statewide and southwest Washington.
“Our growth has been led by a team that is focused on the individual business needs of our clients,” said Link. “That customer focus will be maintained and we are optimistic that it will lead to continued growth throughout the market.”