News
January 30, 2025

Emily Kay Named President of Balfour Beatty California

Caroline Raffetto

Balfour Beatty has announced the appointment of Emily Kay as president of the company’s Buildings operations in California. In this leadership role, Emily takes over from Brian Cahill, who had previously overseen construction operations throughout the state. As president, Emily will manage and guide Balfour Beatty’s continued market growth and strategic oversight across various sectors, including K-12 education, higher education, public/civic projects, aviation, hospitality, and special projects.

With a remarkable 30-year career in the construction industry, Emily brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She started her career in Nebraska, working on job sites as a concrete laborer, before rising through the ranks in various roles such as field engineer and associate/senior construction administrator at an architecture firm. Her journey with Balfour Beatty began 11 years ago, where she rapidly established herself as a leader. In her previous role as vice president of operations for California, Emily was responsible for leading Los Angeles-area K-12 and County project teams. She also played a pivotal role in expanding Balfour Beatty’s special projects division in Los Angeles and Orange County, helping to diversify the company’s portfolio and strengthen its position in the market.

“I am incredibly excited to take on this new role and continue working alongside our exceptional teams across California,” said Emily Kay, Balfour Beatty’s president in California. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of construction and the impact we can have on communities. As we look to expand our footprint and diversify our project portfolio in California, I’m committed to building on our strong foundation while embracing innovation and sustainable growth. I’m particularly passionate about fostering collaborative partnerships with our clients, design partners, and subcontract trade partners, as well as focusing on attracting talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders. Our success has always been rooted in our people-first culture, and I’m dedicated to strengthening this foundation while delivering excellence for our clients, partners and communities.”

Emily’s leadership has earned her recognition in the industry, including being named one of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Design and Construction. This acknowledgment speaks to her dedication to advancing both the industry and the communities in which she works. Additionally, Emily’s background in construction management, with an emphasis on business management from the University of Nebraska, further complements her hands-on experience and leadership capabilities.

As president of Balfour Beatty’s California Buildings operations, Emily’s vision will drive continued growth and development for the company. Her focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration will ensure that Balfour Beatty remains at the forefront of the construction industry in California.

Emily’s leadership style centers on fostering strong relationships and collaborative partnerships with clients, design partners, and subcontractors. She believes that by focusing on people, talent, and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders, the company will continue to thrive in an ever-changing market. With her extensive experience and deep commitment to the communities Balfour Beatty serves, Emily is poised to lead the company into the future of construction.

In her new role, Emily will also be looking at expanding the company’s reach in California’s booming sectors, particularly in education, aviation, and public infrastructure, ensuring the company meets the evolving needs of the state while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and innovation in construction practices.

News
January 30, 2025

Emily Kay Named President of Balfour Beatty California

Caroline Raffetto
Announcements
California

Balfour Beatty has announced the appointment of Emily Kay as president of the company’s Buildings operations in California. In this leadership role, Emily takes over from Brian Cahill, who had previously overseen construction operations throughout the state. As president, Emily will manage and guide Balfour Beatty’s continued market growth and strategic oversight across various sectors, including K-12 education, higher education, public/civic projects, aviation, hospitality, and special projects.

With a remarkable 30-year career in the construction industry, Emily brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She started her career in Nebraska, working on job sites as a concrete laborer, before rising through the ranks in various roles such as field engineer and associate/senior construction administrator at an architecture firm. Her journey with Balfour Beatty began 11 years ago, where she rapidly established herself as a leader. In her previous role as vice president of operations for California, Emily was responsible for leading Los Angeles-area K-12 and County project teams. She also played a pivotal role in expanding Balfour Beatty’s special projects division in Los Angeles and Orange County, helping to diversify the company’s portfolio and strengthen its position in the market.

“I am incredibly excited to take on this new role and continue working alongside our exceptional teams across California,” said Emily Kay, Balfour Beatty’s president in California. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of construction and the impact we can have on communities. As we look to expand our footprint and diversify our project portfolio in California, I’m committed to building on our strong foundation while embracing innovation and sustainable growth. I’m particularly passionate about fostering collaborative partnerships with our clients, design partners, and subcontract trade partners, as well as focusing on attracting talent and creating opportunities for the next generation of industry leaders. Our success has always been rooted in our people-first culture, and I’m dedicated to strengthening this foundation while delivering excellence for our clients, partners and communities.”

Emily’s leadership has earned her recognition in the industry, including being named one of the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Design and Construction. This acknowledgment speaks to her dedication to advancing both the industry and the communities in which she works. Additionally, Emily’s background in construction management, with an emphasis on business management from the University of Nebraska, further complements her hands-on experience and leadership capabilities.

As president of Balfour Beatty’s California Buildings operations, Emily’s vision will drive continued growth and development for the company. Her focus on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration will ensure that Balfour Beatty remains at the forefront of the construction industry in California.

Emily’s leadership style centers on fostering strong relationships and collaborative partnerships with clients, design partners, and subcontractors. She believes that by focusing on people, talent, and creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders, the company will continue to thrive in an ever-changing market. With her extensive experience and deep commitment to the communities Balfour Beatty serves, Emily is poised to lead the company into the future of construction.

In her new role, Emily will also be looking at expanding the company’s reach in California’s booming sectors, particularly in education, aviation, and public infrastructure, ensuring the company meets the evolving needs of the state while maintaining its commitment to sustainability and innovation in construction practices.