Chicago-based Pepper Construction Group has announced two staff promotions.
Chris Averill has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.
As COO, Averill leads all functions that support operations at Pepper Construction including legal, risk, human resources, IT and accounting. He joined the company in 2015 as the chief financial officer and executive vice-president.
In a news release, the company says Averill is an accomplished leader with an extensive background in global financial and business management.
“Throughout his career, he has partnered with investors and business leaders to drive customer satisfaction, profitable growth and enterprise value. His background spans acquisitions and divestitures, business integration, financing, business and customer analysis and working capital management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.”
Meanwhile, Jake Pepper has been promoted to vice-president, leading strategic IT initiatives.
In this role, Pepper leads the business-critical technical efforts of the company and is focused on improving efficiency and expanding the company’s technical capabilities.
“Jake joined Pepper in 2013 in project management before transitioning to Director focusing on strategic IT initiatives,” the announcement says. “His efforts enable Pepper’s IT infrastructure team, virtual construction group and high performance group to develop value-driven solutions for clients.”
Before joining Pepper, he served in roles in financial services and sustainable design. Jake Pepper holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Environmental Studies from Middlebury College and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.
Now in their third generation of family leadership, Pepper Construction Group serves clients across the country with comprehensive teams in Illinois, Indiana and Ohio working in markets such as healthcare, education, manufacturing and light industrial, environmental remediation, data centers, entertainment, hospitality, interiors and education among others.
Among the firm’s current projects are The 1060 Project at Wrigley Field, EMC2 Hotel, Under Armour’s recently completed Michigan Avenue store, Community Hospital East in Indianapolis, Palos Community Hospital and IKEA projects in Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin.
