For the first time, Bechtel group reaches outside the Bechtel family for its new CEO

Bechtel, one of the world’s leading engineering, procurement and construction companies, on February 4 announced that Bill Dudley, its president and chief operating officer since 2008, has been named president & CEO of the Bechtel group of companies, which includes Bechtel Corporation and all of its subsidiaries worldwide.

Dudley takes over for Riley Bechtel, who is stepping down for health reasons from day-to-day operations as the company’s chief executive. Riley Bechtel, who will remain chairman of the company’s board of directors, has been chairman & CEO of the company for nearly 25 years.

“For many years Bechtel has approached succession planning with diligence to ensure smooth transitions in leadership,” said Riley Bechtel, in a prepared statement. “Our plan includes provision for unplanned events, which we are now encountering. We are well prepared to act quickly in everybody’s best interest with no loss of momentum.”

“Bill has been our top candidate for CEO succession for some time, and he is well qualified in every respect to take over now,” added Riley Bechtel. “He will be an outstanding CEO for our company; he is highly regarded by our colleagues, customers, partners, and suppliers. I have tremendous confidence in Bill’s ability to continue to move the company forward.”

Dudley is the first nonfamily member to serve as president and CEO since the company’s founding. He joined the company in 1981 and during the next 20 years excelled in a variety of operational and executive roles, including managing key global projects, serving as president of the company’s Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Southwest Asia region, and serving as president of the oil, gas & chemicals business unit. He was elected to the company’s board of directors in 2000 and named president and chief operating officer in 2008.