GISI Names Scott Kolbrenner as President and Chief Strategy Officer
Global Infrastructure Solutions Inc. (GISI), a leading global player in the construction, project management, and engineering consulting sector, has announced the appointment of Scott Kolbrenner as its new President and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). This key appointment represents an important milestone in the company’s ongoing journey to strengthen its leadership team and accelerate its strategy for long-term growth.
GISI serves as the parent company of STO Building Group (STOBG) and GISI Consulting Group (GISI CG), both of which deliver a broad spectrum of services to private and public sector clients around the world. From construction management and engineering consulting to large-scale project delivery, GISI’s subsidiaries have established themselves as trusted partners for complex and high-value projects. With the addition of Kolbrenner to its executive team, GISI is reinforcing its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and shareholder value creation.
A Strategic Leadership Appointment
In his new role, Mr. Kolbrenner will collaborate closely with the leadership of STO Building Group and GISI Consulting Group to further build upon their strong foundation of organic growth and strategic acquisitions. He will also take the lead in developing and implementing GISI’s capital strategy, ensuring that financial decisions align with the company’s core values, long-term objectives, and shareholder return goals.
His responsibilities extend beyond traditional strategy functions. As President and Chief Strategy Officer, Kolbrenner will work to integrate market insights, competitive intelligence, and partnership opportunities into a cohesive growth agenda. This approach will help GISI expand into new geographies, strengthen its capabilities, and adapt to evolving client needs in a rapidly changing global infrastructure landscape.
Kolbrenner’s Vision for GISI
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Mr. Kolbrenner shared his perspective on joining GISI:
“I am incredibly proud to be joining GISI. This company stands apart as something truly special – a dynamic and employee-centric ownership model that is uniquely positioned in the industry to grow, partner with other leading firms in the sector, and evolve on a global scale. I look forward to contributing to GISI’s continued measured and profitable success.”
His remarks reflect GISI’s distinctive operating model, which emphasizes employee ownership, cultural alignment, and sustainable growth practices. Unlike many traditional infrastructure and construction companies, GISI focuses on combining entrepreneurial agility with the scale and resources of a global enterprise.
A Proven Track Record in Strategic Advisory
Scott Kolbrenner brings with him nearly three decades of experience from Houlihan Lokey, a premier global investment bank recognized for its expertise in mergers and acquisitions, capital solutions, and restructuring advisory. At Houlihan Lokey, he led the infrastructure services practice, where he advised some of the most prominent private and public firms in the sector.
His extensive career has given him:
- Deep industry knowledge across infrastructure, construction, and engineering services.
- Hands-on experience in deal-making, including acquisitions, divestitures, and capital raising.
- Strong relationships with senior executives and stakeholders across global markets.
- A proven ability to identify growth opportunities and guide companies through transformational change.
This background positions him well to help GISI not only identify opportunities for expansion but also execute them successfully, ensuring that each step aligns with the company’s long-term goals.
GISI Leadership on the Appointment
Rick Newman, Chairman and CEO of GISI, emphasized the significance of Kolbrenner’s appointment:
“Scott’s appointment represents a significant milestone in GISI’s evolution. His outstanding record in strategic development, along with his deep industry knowledge and relationships, will be invaluable as we continue to expand our capabilities and pursue new growth opportunities.”
Newman further noted that Kolbrenner’s dual role as both President and Chief Strategy Officer will allow GISI to balance short-term execution with long-term planning, creating a stronger platform for sustained success.
Educational Background and Professional Affiliations
Mr. Kolbrenner holds a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. His diverse academic foundation has provided him with critical thinking skills, a nuanced understanding of human behavior, and the legal expertise necessary to navigate complex regulatory and transactional landscapes.
Beyond his professional career, Kolbrenner has actively engaged with leadership and community organizations. He is a former member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), a global network of business leaders, and currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Los Angeles Region of Pacific Clinics, one of the largest nonprofit behavioral healthcare providers in California.
A Step Forward for GISI
The appointment of Scott Kolbrenner reflects GISI’s broader vision of becoming a premier global infrastructure solutions provider. By reinforcing its executive leadership team with seasoned professionals who bring unique perspectives, GISI is preparing itself to navigate challenges such as:
- Increasing global demand for sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
- The need for advanced project delivery models that leverage digital technology.
- Growing competition for capital and partnerships in an evolving global economy.
- Rising expectations from stakeholders regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments.
GISI’s ability to blend its employee-ownership culture with financial and strategic discipline has been central to its past success. With Kolbrenner’s expertise, the company is well-positioned to further integrate strategy, culture, and performance into its next phase of growth.
