Weitz Announces Retirement of CSO
Email News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Haley McKean, Webb PR
303.796.8888
WEITZ ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF CHIEF STRATEGIC OFFICER
Rick Poppe Filled Management Roles for Nearly Three Decades
DENVER, Colo – February 25, 2009 – The Weitz Company, a premier national contractor with more than 153 years experience, announced today the retirement of its chief strategic officer, Rick Poppe. During his 27-year tenure with the Des Moines-based corporation, Mr. Poppe oversaw personnel and construction operations, and provided vision and direction for business development and profitability.
Poppe started his career with Weitz in its Colorado-based business unit, now called the Rocky Mountain Region. After joining the company in 1982 as a Human Resources Director, he filled a number of management positions before being promoted to President of that business unit. In that role, Poppe helped to grow the unit’s annual revenue from $49 million in 1994 to $252 million in 2002, and also led a number of Weitz’ legacy projects, including The Aurora Municipal and Justice Center projects, Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, TCI and Liberty Media projects in the Meridian Business park, and many projects in the DTC. He was promoted to the company’s senior management team as Strategic Growth Officer in 2003, and became Chief Strategic Officer in 2007, while continuing to work from the Colorado office.
“Rick has played a vital role in growing the Colorado business unit, and it was no surprise when he was tapped to evolve the company’s national strategic plan for growth and revenue” said Bill Hornaday, President of The Weitz Company’s Rocky Mountain Region. “While the industry knows Rick as a highly-committed and ethical leader, the Weitz team is glad to also know him as a friend and mentor.”
“I have had a wonderful career with The Weitz Company— lots of opportunity and challenges. Being part of a true employee-owned company has allowed me to participate in the success of the company as an equal member as it has grown from $240 million in 1994 to $1.6 billion in 2008,” said Poppe. “It is a company of great people, integrity, and commitment to customers. I can’t imagine a better career.”
Poppe has taken an active role in the industry over the years, serving as President of AGC of Colorado, Building Division Chairman of the AGC of America, Master Arbitrator and Mediator of the American Arbitration Association in construction matters, and as a member of the Construction Consulting Council. He also has served as director on a number of boards including the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, Community College of Aurora Foundation, Denver Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and the AGC Education and Research Foundation.
About The Weitz Company
Founded in 1855, The Weitz Company is a national full-service general contractor, design-builder and construction manager with 25 offices in the U.S. and Guam. The Rocky Mountain Business Unit has offices in Denver, Frisco and Glenwood Springs and has been in Colorado for more than 50 years. The company’s expertise includes office, retail, residential condominiums, tenant interiors, resort properties, parking structures, industrial, healthcare, education, government and mixed-use facilities. More information about The Weitz Company is available at www.weitz.com.
# # #