CH2M Hill has filled a new position with one of the best-known figures in the engineering and construction business, part of an effort to increase its share of work now going to larger rivals.
Lee McIntire is a former executive and 15-year veteran of the Bechtel Group, a massive competitor of Douglas County-based CH2M Hill.
Among other jobs at San Francisco- based Bechtel, McIntire headed Bechtel Systems & Infrastructure Inc. The unit works with U.S. government agencies on environmental, defense aerospace and other projects. Bechtel’s worldwide nuclear and civil business units also reported to him.
“It is an aggressive move,” said Paul Zofnass, president of financial consulting firm EFCG, which provides business advice to the engineering industry.
“This was the No. 2 guy at the leading construction company in the world. They (CH2M Hill) could only attract him if they could convince him that they are going to go after these big contracts in construction.”
CH2M Hill is involved in environmental cleanups, design of airstrips and a host of other activities. But engineering firms that want to compete have to offer diverse services, said Zofnass.
CH2M Hill’s share of construction work on global projects has been growing but remains small compared with Bechtel’s and others. CH2M Hill had $3 billion in revenue in 2004. Bechtel had $17 billion.
McIntire, 57, will fill a new position of president and chief operating officer and will be responsible for all day-to-day operations, said CH2M Hill spokesman David Miller.
His appointment comes four months after industry veteran Garry Higdem was named president of engineering procurement and construction. Both appointments “are an indication that we are serious about being in construction,” Miller said.
Staff writer Tom McGhee can be reached at 303-820-1671 or tmcghee@denverpost.com.
