New President & CEO For Gilbane

Gilbane Building Company, the leading global, family-owned construction management firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam R. Jelen as its president and chief executive officer (CEO).

This appointment made effective January 1, 2024, follows a deliberate, multi-year succession plan that includes Jelen succeeding Thomas M. Laird, Jr., who assumed the role of executive chairman of Gilbane Building Company.

Thomas F. Gilbane, Jr. will continue as chairman and chief executive officer of Gilbane, Inc., the parent entity of Gilbane Building Company and Gilbane Development Company. Laird will remain focused on supporting Gilbane Building Company executive leaders and enabling company strategy to drive growth and opportunity. Thomas F. Gilbane, Jr., chairman and CEO of Gilbane, Inc. said:

“Adam is a visionary leader with a track record of delivering excellence for clients and a passion for developing and inspiring our teams. We look forward to Adam excelling in his new role as CEO at this exciting moment in the company’s trajectory. On behalf of the Board, I also want to thank Tom Laird for his outstanding leadership which helped build a strong foundation for the future.”

“Gilbane is an extraordinary company with an unparalleled 150+ year legacy of delivering buildings that make an impact on people and communities all over the world,” said Adam R. Jelen, president and CEO of Gilbane Building Company. “I’m inspired by our talented team, who are committed to delivering the ultimate building experience for our clients and partners. Working with our seasoned group of leaders, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to take our history of building excellence to new heights.”

Jelen, a proven building leader with over 33 years of experience in the industry, has been with Gilbane Building Company for over 19 years. In 2022, he was named chief operating officer, charged with promoting the continued success of Gilbane’s operations, driving regional growth, and ensuring the highest levels of project delivery for clients. Jelen has been responsible for operations across every division of Gilbane, focusing on consistent world-class building, client results, industry safety, and promoting and developing talent. Before becoming COO, Adam was executive vice president and regional president, leading Gilbane’s Midwest, West, and New York business operations, strengthening the firm’s position in these regions.

Adam started his career in the skilled trades. He joined Gilbane in 2005 and quickly emerged as a strong leader and a forward-thinking manager. Adam progressed through multiple construction operations and leadership roles in Gilbane’s Midwest and Ireland regions, including project manager, project executive, business leader, and senior vice president. Adam has led small to mega projects worldwide and has been directly involved in over $10B of work.

Adam is an innovator and recognized expert in commercial and industrial construction, Integrated Project Delivery, Lean construction, Building Information Modeling, and sustainability. He is a member of the Lean Construction Institute.

With a passion for Gilbane’s commitment to creating meaningful social, sustainable impact, Adam ensures the company’s responsibility and impact strategy is integral to how Gilbane manages and builds projects. In addition, he is heavily engaged in the industry, serves as an executive committee member for National Construction Safety Week, and was a founding board member of the ACE Mentor Program in Milwaukee. He also serves as the executive sponsor for Gilbane’s Military Advantage Employee Resource Group in support of veterans.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction from Bradley University and an Associate of Science in Science from Harper College.

About Gilbane Building Company

Gilbane Building Company is a global leader in construction management, delivering high-quality projects for clients across various markets. Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from preconstruction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build, and facility management services. Founded in 1870, Gilbane is still a privately held, family-owned company. With more than 45 office locations worldwide, Gilbane brings world-class experience to local communities.