Seasoned Industry Executive Leaves Related to Join Suffolk Construction

NEW YORK CITY—William Whitesell, who was the VP of design and construction for Related Companies, where his responsibilities included the $800 million Hudson Yards retail center, has been hired by Suffolk contractors as COO.

In his new position, Whitesell oversees governance, strategy, operations, non-operations business support, company advocacy and brand expansion for New York City and its surrounding areas.

Before his role at Related, he began his career as a project superintendent at Turner Construction in 2004. He worked his way up to be a project manager and project executive before joining Related in June 2015. His management experiences include significant New York projects such as the $235 million high rise at 250 W. 55th St.; the $240 million Lincoln Center redevelopment project; and the $253 million 42-story Hearst Tower. Whitesell has also provided planning services as a preconstruction manager on numerous other projects in the New York region.

“Suffolk’s exciting momentum in New York, smarter approach to planning and building, and mission to revolutionize the construction industry inspired me to join the organization because I wanted to be a part of something special,” says Whitesell.

Suffolk markets itself as having a culture of innovation, using technologically advanced tools such as virtual design and construction, virtual reality and lean construction principles. The company has $3.5 billion in annual revenues, and offices in Boston, New York City, Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Fort Meyers, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego.

With an office at One Pennsylvania Plaza, their New York City projects include the Hudson Exchange West Phase 1; 532 Neptune Ave., a rental tower in Brooklyn; the Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park condominiums; the 222 E. 44th St. apartments in Manhattan; and the NYU Langone Medical – Brooklyn Endoscopy facility.