Gresham Smith Announces CEO Transition

February 25, 2021

Gresham Smith, an architecture, engineering and design firm providing full-service solutions for the built environment, announced today that Chairman and CEO Al Pramuk will transition out of his CEO role at the end of the 2021 calendar year. Rodney Chester, the firm’s current Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Pramuk as CEO in January 2022.

Pramuk has more than 30 years of experience working for the firm. He has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2017 and was named Chairman of Gresham Smith’s Board of Directors in 2016. During his tenure as CEO, the firm grew its net revenue by 43%, expanded into the Chicago and Charlotte markets, launched its “Genuine Ingenuity” rebrand, developed a robust “Build U” employee development program, and established an innovation incubator.

Rodney Chester has worked for the firm for nearly 24 years. He joined Gresham Smith’s Board of Directors in 2015 and has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2018. Chester previously served in a variety of leadership positions at Gresham Smith, including Senior Vice President of Firmwide Operations and Division Vice President.

“This timely and orderly transition is part of Gresham Smith’s succession plan. I am fortunate to have served as CEO during a period of exciting growth and transition for the firm,” said Pramuk. “Our employees and leaders are committed to providing exceptional service and value to our clients and delivering on our brand promise of Genuine Ingenuity every day. Our long-term strategy focused on people and culture, practice excellence and our clients continues to lead to positive business results, and the firm’s Board of Directors and I are confident that Rodney’s leadership will continue to guide our firm toward success,” he added.

“This firm has been an integral part of my professional and personal life for nearly 24 years, and I am honored by the opportunity to succeed Al, who has set a high bar as CEO,” said Chester. “I look forward to building on our strong employee culture and continuing our firm’s growth momentum by focusing on our clients’ success. Our industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and we must evolve with it in order to provide creative solutions that contribute to healthy and thriving communities while remaining true to the core values that make us who we are as a firm,” he added.

Pramuk will actively serve as CEO through the end of the 2021 calendar year and will continue as Chairman following the transition. He will also serve in a leadership role focused on enhancing ongoing relationships with clients and the business community. In addition to Pramuk and Chester, Gresham Smith’s Management Team is comprised of Chief Strategy Officer Randy Gibson and Chief Financial Officer Dwayne West.

Founded in 1967, Gresham Smith has annual net revenues of approximately $160 million and is home to more than 900 employees. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, the firm operates out of 24 offices in the United States.