MINNEAPOLIS – (September 5, 2024) — M. A. Mortenson Company (Mortenson) today announced a long-planned leadership transition at the Minnesota-based, family-owned construction, development, and engineering services company. CEO Dan Johnson is retiring on December 31, 2024, after spending his entire 38-year career at the company and the past eight as its CEO. Mortenson President Derek Cunz will succeed Johnson and become President and Chief Executive Officer on January 1, 2025. Cunz was previously promoted to company president in 2022. Johnson will continue to serve on Mortenson’s Board of Directors.
Cunz joined Mortenson in 1996 and traveled extensively building complex and technical projects for the company and has been a leader in growing new businesses and driving innovation throughout the organization. He was a key team member on Mortenson’s Walt Disney Concert Hall project, which was completed in 2003, where he helped pioneer the company’s first efforts using virtual design and construction. In 2003, Cunz joined Mortenson’s Denver office leadership team overseeing business development and subsequently relocated to Minneapolis in 2010 to lead the company’s Sports + Entertainment Group. Under his leadership, Mortenson grew to become one of the leading sports builders in the U.S.
“After serving two years as President, Derek will be the third non-family CEO of the construction business my grandfather started 70 years ago,” said David Mortenson, Chairman. “I’ve known Derek since he started at the company, and he worked with me in our Advanced Technologies business and in building the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles before eventually moving back to Minneapolis to lead our Sports business. Derek is an innovator, a great coach and mentor, and committed to building an inclusive culture of belonging. I’m fortunate to have him as a partner.”
Cunz has also provided strategic oversight of Mortenson’s growing Energy Storage and EV and Microgrid Infrastructure businesses along with overall leadership of Mortenson’s efforts in the innovation space. He has been the driving force behind Mortenson’s design for manufacturing and assembly, solar industrialization and the establishment of a construction innovation group.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Mortenson into the future,” said Derek Cunz, President at Mortenson. “Our focus will remain steadfast on serving our customers, cultivating talent, innovating and creating value, and creating a workplace where our team members feel a sense of belonging and have successful careers. I’m truly energized by the opportunities ahead as we continue to deliver value and grow into new markets through impactful projects and build upon the success of the company's past 70 years.”
Dan Johnson is a graduate of North Dakota State University and joined Mortenson in 1986. Through the years, Johnson has served many roles for Mortenson including estimating, operations, business development, and senior leadership. He joined the senior leadership team in 1999 and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2008, president in 2015, and CEO in 2017. Johnson has been involved with many of the company’s new businesses including offices in Milwaukee, Chicago, Phoenix, and Portland. He was also instrumental in launching Mortenson’s renewable energy business and growing its real estate development practice.
“I have been fortunate and honored to spend my entire career with this amazing and successful company,” said Dan Johnson, CEO at Mortenson. “I’ve had the privilege of working side by side with David Mortenson, our senior leadership team, and the best people in our industry. Our carefully planned leadership transition ensures the long-term continuity of a seasoned, proven executive leadership team for years to come.”
Johnson has been active on several boards including Fastenal, the Greater MSP and the ACE Mentor Program. He has been a member of the Construction Industry Roundtable (CIRT), National Academy of Construction (NAC) and the Advisory and Advancement Board for the College of Engineering at North Dakota State University. He has also served on the executive committees and was chair for two industry wide annual events – Construction Inclusion Week and Construction Safety Week.
“Dan is a skilled and thoughtful servant leader. He has been the driving force behind our growth and our entry into key markets like renewable energy, data centers, and development,” said David Mortenson, Chairman. “He is a true builder and his passion for our business and our team members is evident every single day. Dan has been a partner and friend for more than 15 years.”
About Mortenson
Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top-25 builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments result in high-performing assets. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers.
Mortenson has operations across the U.S. with offices in Chicago, Denver, Fargo, Iowa City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.