Brent Byford

Chief Construction Officer @KELLER

Chicago, IL, US

Providing strategic leadership in developing and implementing systems, processes and procedures to improve the quality, operational efficiency and profitability of projects across the Group.Based in Chicago and reporting directly to the CEO, I lead the strategic development and implementation of systems, processes, and frameworks that elevate project quality, efficiency, and profitability across the Group. My role spans engineering, equipment strategy, project delivery systems, and cross-functional collaboration — with a focus on measurable outcomes and scalable innovation. Core Focus Areas:Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the vision for project delivery, aligning execution with business goals and margin targets.Engineering & Design: Oversee design engineering across divisions, to promote cost-effective, innovative solutions and group-wide best practices.Equipment Strategy: Lead procurement and fleet deployment, maximizing asset value — including KGS — to enhance divisional performance.Project Delivery Systems: Standardize and continuously improve delivery frameworks, integrating technology and process innovation.Operational Excellence: Develop KPIs, implement project management tools, and drive safety, quality, and performance improvements.Stakeholder Collaboration: Align cross-functional teams with client needs and strategic objectives, fostering trust and transparency.Team Development: Mentor engineering and project management leaders, cultivating a high-performance, inclusive culture.Risk & Compliance: Ensure regulatory adherence and embed risk mitigation strategies across all project activities.

Purdue University

Bachelor of Science (BS), Civil Engineering