Area’s largest commercial construction firm names new president

Pat Kenney, right, succeeds his father, Phil Kenney, who has been president and CEO of F.A. Wilhelm since 2001. (Provided photo)

Central Indiana’s largest commercial construction firm selected a new president this week, while keeping its longtime CEO in his post.

Indianapolis-based F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co. Inc. on Thursday promoted Pat Kenney to the role of president, marking the fourth generation of family leadership for the 102-year-old firm.

Kenney succeeds his father, Phil Kenney, who has been president and CEO of F.A. Wilhelm since 2001. The company said Phil will remain as CEO, at least in title, and is expected to advise Pat, who will have final say on decisions within the organization.

Since the elder Kenney took on the company’s top executive roles, the firm has seen extensive growth. According to IBJ research, F.A. Wilhelm is the largest construction firm in Indianapolis, more than doubling the billings of the next largest firm, AECOM Hunt.

In 2024, it had $2.4 billion in total billings, compared to $250 million in 2001. It has more than 4,100 full-time local employees, up from 400 at the turn of the millennium.

Pat Kenney steps into the president’s job following seven years with the company full-time, as well as extensive time around the firm spent during high school and college. He has held multiple roles at Wilhelm through departments like yard and layout, accounting, and pre-construction.

Prior to his appointment as president, he was vice president of the flooring and finish carpentry team. Kenney is the great-grandson of the company’s founder, Francis A. Wilhelm, after whom the firm is named.

“Pat knows our business, our people, and our values,” Phil Kenney said in a written statement. “He’s earned respect at every level of the company through hard work and humility. I have full confidence in his leadership, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue building on our legacy.”

The company has several major accounts, including the $4.3 billion IU Health hospital campus in downtown Indianapolis, the Elanco Animal Health Inc. global headquarters along the White River and the Arena at Innovation Mile project in Noblesville.