Gilbane Inc. announces leadership changes

Gilbane Inc., New York, announced Jan. 8 that it has made key leadership changes with the planned appointment of William (Bill) Gilbane III to the company’s board and the addition of new executive leadership to Gilbane Building Company. Rich Cavallaro is joining Gilbane Building Company as executive vice president leading the New York division—comprised of the New York City, Upstate New York and New Jersey business units—and the New England division. Additionally, Grant Gagnier will now serve as vice president and New York City business unit leader.

As a board member, Gilbane will continue to promote and scale the synergies between Gilbane Building Company and Gilbane Development Company, the company says.

“Bill’s vision and experience from serving as an entrepreneurial leader of the New York division will be a tremendous asset to the Gilbane board,” Tom Gilbane Jr., chairman and CEO of Gilbane Inc., says. “Bill will continue to be a key strategic leader helping to further Gilbane’s growth, build upon the value that we deliver to our clients and shareholders, and help prepare for the company’s leadership succession for future generations.”

The company’s New York division, under Gilbane’s leadership, has more than doubled its annual revenue in the past seven years and expanded across a diverse portfolio of sectors.

On Jan. 6, Cavallaro and Gagnier began their new roles as executive vice president and vice president, respectively. Cavallaro is an experienced construction leader who served as a CEO for the last 10 years, most recently leading New York-based Skanska USA Civil. During his tenure, the business doubled in size and he succeeded in producing and executing some of the largest infrastructure projects in the country, the company says.

Gagnier has experience as a construction executive, leading projects of various size and scope across a multitude of market segments. His prior role was senior vice president, head of operations for Sydney-based Lendlease’s Americas Construction Business. He also served as CEO for Boston-based Suffolk Construction’s New York region where he was responsible for overseeing governance, strategy, operations, business support, company advocacy and brand expansion.

“We’re joined by two outstanding construction executives who will bring their leadership, proven experience, and key relationships to further build Gilbane’s growth in the region,” Michael McKelvy, president and CEO of Gilbane Building Company, says.

“Rich is a veteran executive leader who builds business operations on the fundamental values of safety, diversity, innovation and corporate citizenship which fit seamlessly with our values at Gilbane. He has developed long-term, trusted relationships with clients and partners that will help us grow our business throughout the Northeast.

“Grant is a high-energy, results-driven builder. I’m confident his leadership and management expertise will result in an even stronger and more dynamic business operation in New York City, bringing greater value to our clients,” McKelvy continued.