Kevin McClain Appointed CEO of The Weitz Company

DES MOINES, Iowa – Kevin McClain has assumed the positions of president and chief executive officer for The Weitz Company following the retirement of Leonard W. Martling.

McClain, who most recently held the title of chief operating officer, had been identified as Martling’s successor in early 2017 when the transition between the two was initiated. McClain officially assumed the new leadership responsibilities when Martling announced his retirement on October 1 after 36 years with the national construction firm.

“I’m both humbled and excited to have the opportunity to lead one of the top, and oldest, general contractors in the United States,” McClain said. “Having spent nearly my entire career at Weitz, I know first-hand what a special company this is. Our people make the difference, and we will continue to leverage this advantage to grow The Weitz Company and exceed the expectations of our customers, employees and business partners.”

McClain has been at Weitz for 18 years – first starting as a project engineer in 1999. After holding nearly every operational position within the company, he gained his first executive leadership position in January 2012 as executive vice president overseeing Watts Constructors, which Weitz previously owned until being acquired by Orascom Construction Limited in 2012. Prior to being named COO on January 1, 2017, McClain served as the president of Weitz’s commercial business segment.

A graduate of Simpson College who then earned his construction engineering degree from Iowa State University, McClain becomes only the eighth CEO of The Weitz Company since the business was founded in 1855.

“Weitz has had a long history of outstanding leaders and for years Kevin has demonstrated both his capabilities and dedication to the company and its employees,” Martling said. “I am certain Kevin and the company will be highly successful under his leadership.”