Skanska has announced a leadership transition for its U.S. building operations in the West Region, naming Lew Guerrette as regional executive officer. In his new role, Guerrette will oversee Skanska USA Building’s activities across the West Region, which encompasses operations in Washington, Oregon and California. His mandate includes oversight of the region’s general managers and collaboration with local leadership teams to advance the business across these markets.
Guerrette steps into the position previously held by Jim Link, who has served as regional executive officer since 2018. Link is retiring following a 41-year career in the construction industry, culminating in his multiyear leadership of Skanska’s West Region building business. The company noted that Guerrette’s appointment follows his tenure as executive vice president and general manager for Skanska’s Washington operations, providing continuity in regional management as he shifts into the broader role.
As regional executive officer, Guerrette will be responsible for setting and guiding business strategy within the West Region, coordinating succession planning efforts, and reinforcing national connectivity across Skanska’s U.S. platform. His remit also includes working with local leaders in Washington, Oregon and California to align regional initiatives with the company’s broader goals and to support execution across multiple markets.
In conjunction with Guerrette’s promotion, Skanska has appointed Don Kowalchuk as executive vice president and general manager of the company’s Washington operating unit. Kowalchuk will assume the responsibilities previously held by Guerrette and will lead the Washington business from Skanska’s office in Seattle. The Washington unit plays a key role within the company’s West Region footprint, and the transition is designed to maintain stability in that market while enabling broader regional oversight by Guerrette.
Kowalchuk brings a lengthy tenure with the company to his new leadership position. He has spent his entire 35-year construction career with Skanska, having joined the firm in 1991 as a member of the operations team. Over the course of his time with the company, he has advanced through various roles within Skanska’s operations, culminating in his elevation to executive vice president and general manager for Washington.
With these promotions, Skanska is implementing a planned succession in its West Region leadership structure. Link’s retirement after more than four decades in the industry and eight years overseeing the West Region marks a significant transition point, while the appointments of Guerrette and Kowalchuk draw on internal experience within Skanska’s existing management ranks. The company is aligning regional strategic oversight with on-the-ground leadership in Washington as it continues its building operations across the West Region.
