Shawmut Design and Construction has hired Alexis Leal as head of Florida to oversee its growth plan aimed at increasing market share in large-scale projects and expanding into new sectors.
Leal will be tasked with leading the team in diversification of sectors and pursuit of larger projects, leveraging his experience in both the private and public sectors and his technical and design-build expertise, according to a release.
He comes to Boston-based Shawmut with decades of industry experience, most recently as chief operations officer at Suffolk Construction’s Miami office, where he worked for nearly five years. Previously, Leal spent 25 years at Munila Construction Management in Miami, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Leal has worked on complex projects ranging in size, scope, and value — from $50 million hotel, mixed-use and municipal work to $200 million-plus aviation and seaport terminal expansions — and acquired over $400 million of public work as part of a recent portfolio diversification strategy, according to the release.
Shawmut’s project portfolio in South Florida includes the Power Design building in the Miami Design District, Ransom Everglades School STEM Building and the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina event center.
Expansion in South Florida, particularly Miami and West Palm Beach, is a key driver in the contractor’s 10-year strategic growth plan, according to the release. It aims to expand its share in the commercial, education, retail, healthcare and hospitality markets.
“Shawmut’s reputation, employee ownership and established local roots drew me to this opportunity,” said Leal. “I’m excited to join at this pivotal time and lead the team in winning more complex work and market share in South Florida.”
