Bechtel, one of the world's leading engineering, construction, and project management organizations, announced last week that Brendan Bechtel will become president and chief operating officer and a member of the board of directors of Bechtel Group, Inc. He will report to Bill Dudley, the company's chief executive officer. Bechtel, son of Chairman of the Board Riley Bechtel, is the fifth generation of the Bechtel family to become president of the 116-year-old firm.

Dudley said:

"Brendan has proven himself as an extraordinary leader, earning the respect of colleagues and customers while working in many diverse sectors of the company. His talent and knowledge of the industry make him the right person to help lead the company and ensure it remains the contractor, partner, and employer of choice for years to come."

Bechtel most recently served as president of the company's largest and most successful business unit, Oil, Gas & Chemicals. Under his leadership, the business continued to win new work, including the recent award of the Tilbury LNG Facility Expansion Project in British Columbia. Bechtel first began working for the company during summer breaks in high school. After joining the company full-time, he took on roles of increasing responsibility, including assignments around the world in field construction and project management. In addition, he is credited with being the principal architect of the Bechtel Leadership Model, which helps guide the company's leadership behavior.

Brendan Bechtel said:

"Bechtel has been at the forefront of the industry for generations and I look forward to building on that success by applying the values upon which my great-great-grandfather founded this company: do honest, quality work and treat people right. The company's goal has always been to be the best-in the eyes of our customers, colleagues, and the communities where we work. I am honored to continue this tradition."

Bechtel Executive Vice President Jack Futcher succeeds Bechtel as president of the Oil, Gas, & Chemicals business, a position he held previously. A 34-year veteran of the company, Futcher has also served as president of the organization's power business and is a member of Bechtel's board of directors.

The leadership changes are effective August 1, 2014.