Gray Transitions Leadership for Strategic, Long-Term Growth

Celebrating its 60-year anniversary, this transition is part of a succession plan carefully developed by the Gray family with guidance from the Gray, Inc. board of directors. This is a milestone in the company’s history, marking the first time a non-family member will lead Gray Construction.

“When my parents founded our company, they wanted every team member to feel like a part of our family. My brothers and I really strived to carry on that foundation through the years,” said Stephen Gray. “This core thinking helped us identify potential leaders throughout the company who would help build on past successes and take us into the future, while maintaining our culture and core values.”

“I’ve watched both Brian and Patrick grow up in our company with Brian starting as an intern and Patrick joining us as a field engineer. Throughout their careers at Gray, both have strategically led teams with thoughtfulness and compassion,” he continued. “We are committed to the idea that the business can only grow if the people are growing. Succession planning is a key part of our business strategy, and these moves are a result of this planning.”

As CEO of Gray, Inc., Stephen’s most passionate area of focus remains on the stewardship of the company values and culture established by the Gray family, as well as the personal and professional growth of Gray team members. Stephen will remain responsible for overall business strategy and financial performance for all the Gray Family of Brands with a dedicated focus on the core business of design and construction, growing the Food & Beverage market through new companies and complementary services, and overseeing Gray’s real estate development arm.

“Being the first non-family member to hold this position at Gray Construction is such an honor. I’m humbled by the trust they’ve given me and realize I have some big shoes to fill,” said Jones. “My inspiration is watching our entire team live our core values every day. I’ve always been made to feel like I am part of this family and encouraged to focus on people growth as a precursor to company growth. Gray has an exceptional senior leadership team, and I’m excited to work with them to build upon our past accomplishments.”

As President and CEO of Gray Construction, Jones will focus on continuing the company’s progress as an industry leader and growth-oriented business with keen attention toward building and strengthening relationships with customers, team members, and business partners. Jones joined the company in 1999 as an intern and quickly moved into the project management ranks, which led to his heading up Gray’s Southeast office in Birmingham before stepping into his most recent role of COO.

“I can honestly say I have the upmost gratitude toward the Gray family and Brian for the trust they’ve shown in me by placing me in this new position,” said McCowan. “Brian has done a tremendous job as COO, and I look forward to building on the platform he’s developed. No one in our industry compares to the team members we have here at Gray.”

In the role of COO of Gray Construction, McCowan will lead the day-to-day operations for Gray’s expanding services with an eye for recruiting the next generation of team members, spearheading technological advances, and improving quality and efficiencies. McCowan began his career at Gray as a field engineer. Over his 19-year tenure with the company, he has been on the fast-track to success, holding multiple positions in project management, and most recently, leading Gray’s Southeast office in Birmingham. He has been a driving force behind the success of dozens of large-scale projects, building strong partnerships with customers such as Michelin North America, Inc. and Siemens Energy, Inc.

About Gray, Inc.

Gray, Inc., the holding company for Gray Construction, is comprised of ten operating companies: Gray Construction; Gray Development; Gray Ohio Valley; Gray West; Timberwolff Construction; Gray Solutions; InLine Engineers; Spec Engineering; Spencer Bristol Engineering, and Willett Engineering. Although separate operating companies, all fall under the Gray brand, consistently working together with various customers across the U.S. and internationally to provide a total turnkey services platform offering.

About Gray Construction

Gray Construction, the original and largest of the Gray Family of Brands, is a fully integrated service provider deeply rooted in engineering, design, and construction services with offices across the U.S. and internationally. Gray, consistently ranked among the top 5 industrial contractors in the U.S., focuses on the following markets for domestic and international customers: Food & Beverage, Manufacturing, Automotive, Distribution, Mission Critical, and Commercial.

For more information on Gray, visit gray.com and follow us @grayconstructio.