Valmont Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Valmont has 8 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, people operations, agriculture, infrastructure, and legal.

Driven by innovation, Valmont is dedicated to providing essential infrastructure and agricultural solutions that enhance global productivity and sustainability, underpinned by a philosophy of operational excellence and customer-centricity.

Leadership Roles at Valmont

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Avner Applbaum
  • President & Chief Executive Officer, Kiewit Corporation - Richard Lanoha
  • Chief Financial Officer - John Schwietz
  • Group President, Agriculture - Darryl Matthews
  • President, Agriculture (North America) - Kenneth Bracht
  • Global Group President, Infrastructure Division - Timothy Donahue
  • Chief People Officer - Jennifer Paisley
  • Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary - Andrew Massey
  • Avner Applbaum - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Avner Applbaum, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Valmont, directs the company's overarching strategy and operational execution across all global segments. This leadership role involves guiding Valmont's mission to provide essential infrastructure and agricultural solutions, driving growth and innovation in markets worldwide. Applbaum oversees the strategic direction for engineered support structures, utility support structures, coatings, energy and mining, and irrigation divisions. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, Avner Applbaum ensures Valmont maintains its position as a leader in fabricated metal products and agricultural technology. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include aligning business units with corporate objectives, managing stakeholder relations, and championing the company's commitment to sustainability and market impact. This executive's vision shapes Valmont's long-term trajectory, focusing on expanding market reach and enhancing product offerings to meet evolving global demands.
    Avner Applbaum

    Richard Lanoha - President & Chief Executive Officer, Kiewit Corporation

    Richard Lanoha, the President & Chief Executive Officer, Kiewit Corporation at Valmont, brings extensive leadership experience to the board, influencing strategic direction and corporate governance. This executive's role involves providing high-level oversight and guidance, contributing to Valmont's mission of delivering essential infrastructure and agricultural solutions. Lanoha's perspective supports the company's operations across its diverse segments, including engineered support structures, utility support structures, coatings, energy and mining, and irrigation. By leveraging deep industry knowledge, Richard Lanoha aids in navigating complex market dynamics and fostering sustainable business practices. The President & Chief Executive Officer, Kiewit Corporation's involvement ensures Valmont benefits from robust strategic insights, reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and global market impact. This leadership position is integral to Valmont's long-term vision and continued success.
    Richard Lanoha

    John Schwietz - Chief Financial Officer

    John Schwietz, the Chief Financial Officer at Valmont, manages the company's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. This critical role involves overseeing all financial operations, including accounting, treasury, tax, and investor relations, ensuring robust financial controls and reporting. Schwietz's leadership guides Valmont's investment strategies, capital allocation, and risk management initiatives, directly supporting the company's expansion in engineered support structures, utility support structures, coatings, energy and mining, and irrigation. By providing insightful financial analysis, John Schwietz enables informed decision-making across all business segments, from manufacturing industrial access systems to distributing agricultural irrigation equipment. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for maintaining financial stability and driving profitable growth, particularly in international markets. Schwietz's strategic financial oversight ensures Valmont's resources are effectively deployed to achieve its mission of enhancing global productivity.

    Darryl Matthews - Group President, Agriculture

    Darryl Matthews, the Group President, Agriculture at Valmont, directs the strategic vision and operational performance for the company's agricultural segment. This leadership role encompasses overseeing the manufacturing and distribution of agricultural irrigation equipment and related parts under the Valley brand, serving large farms and the agricultural industry globally. Matthews's focus is on driving innovation in irrigation technology and expanding market share to enhance global agricultural productivity and sustainability. By managing key relationships with agricultural customers and partners, Darryl Matthews ensures Valmont's solutions meet the evolving needs of modern farming. The Group President, Agriculture's responsibilities include optimizing supply chains, developing new product lines, and ensuring operational efficiency across North America and international markets. This executive's leadership is fundamental to Valmont's commitment to supporting food security worldwide.

    Kenneth Bracht - President, Agriculture (North America)

    Kenneth Bracht, the President, Agriculture (North America) at Valmont, spearheads the agricultural business operations within the North American region. This executive is responsible for driving sales, market penetration, and customer satisfaction for Valmont's agricultural irrigation equipment and tubular products. Bracht's leadership ensures that Valmont effectively serves its key agricultural customers, contributing to enhanced farm productivity and resource management across the continent. By overseeing regional strategies, Kenneth Bracht supports the development and implementation of innovative irrigation solutions tailored to the specific needs of North American farmers. The President, Agriculture (North America)'s role involves close collaboration with sales teams, distributors, and end-users to foster strong relationships and drive business growth. This position is vital for reinforcing Valmont's commitment to agricultural excellence and sustainability in a key market.

    Timothy Donahue - Global Group President, Infrastructure Division

    Timothy Donahue, the Global Group President, Infrastructure Division at Valmont, leads the strategic direction and operational execution for the company's infrastructure-related businesses. This executive oversees the manufacturing and distribution of engineered metal, wood, and composite structures for lighting, traffic, wireless communication, and roadway safety industries, as well as steel and concrete pole structures for electrical transmission and distribution. Donahue's leadership drives innovation and market expansion for Valmont's utility support structures and engineered support structures segments globally. By ensuring operational excellence and product quality, Timothy Donahue supports critical infrastructure development worldwide. The Global Group President, Infrastructure Division's responsibilities include managing global teams, optimizing production processes, and fostering strong relationships with government entities, utility companies, and contractors. This role is essential for Valmont's contribution to global infrastructure advancement.

    Jennifer Paisley - Chief People Officer

    Jennifer Paisley, the Chief People Officer at Valmont, leads the human capital strategy, focusing on talent acquisition, development, and organizational culture. This executive champions initiatives that foster employee engagement and growth across Valmont's global operations, supporting segments from engineered support structures to agricultural irrigation. Paisley's role is crucial in building a high-performing workforce that drives innovation and operational excellence. By developing comprehensive people strategies, Jennifer Paisley ensures Valmont attracts and retains top talent essential for manufacturing fabricated metal products and delivering advanced agricultural technology. The Chief People Officer's focus on employee well-being and professional development directly contributes to Valmont's mission of enhancing global productivity and sustainability. This leadership function is key to cultivating a dynamic and supportive work environment.
    Andrew Massey, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at Valmont, provides critical legal counsel and oversees corporate governance for the organization. This executive manages all legal affairs, ensuring compliance with domestic and international regulations across Valmont's diverse business segments, including engineered support structures, utility support structures, coatings, energy and mining, and irrigation. Massey's expertise is vital for navigating complex legal landscapes, managing risk, and safeguarding the company's interests. By advising the board of directors and executive leadership, Andrew Massey plays a key role in strategic decision-making and corporate policy development. The Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary's responsibilities extend to managing litigation, intellectual property, and corporate transactions, ensuring Valmont operates with integrity and adheres to the highest legal standards. This position is fundamental to maintaining Valmont's reputation and operational integrity.
    Andrew Massey

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Valmont Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Valmont?
    Valmont is led by Avner Applbaum (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Richard Lanoha (President & Chief Executive Officer, Kiewit Corporation) and John Schwietz (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Valmont’s executive team?
    The executive team of Valmont includes leaders such as Avner Applbaum (President & Chief Executive Officer), Richard Lanoha (President & Chief Executive Officer, Kiewit Corporation), John Schwietz (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Valmont have?
    Valmont has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Valmont’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Valmont includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Kiewit Corporation, Chief Financial Officer, Group President, Agriculture, President, Agriculture (North America).