Detroit, Michigan – The United States Senate has confirmed the appointment of John Rakolta Jr., CEO of Walbridge, as U.S. Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
“I am honored to be asked to serve by the President of the United States and delighted by the Senate’s confirmation,” said Rakolta. John Rakolta Jr. will end his 48-year career with the Detroit-based construction company prior to accepting his new position as Ambassador.
The company is also announcing the promotion of Michael Haller to Chief Executive Officer. Rakolta confirmed, “Mike and I have worked shoulder-to-shoulder for several decades, working through the challenges of the construction industry to meet the needs of our customers. Mike is a driven, dynamic individual, a proven leader, and a true problem solver. I am leaving the company in good hands.”
Haller, who has been serving as the company’s president, is a long-standing employee of Walbridge. “I am honored to follow in John Rakolta Jr.’s steps,” said Haller. “I thank him for his service to Walbridge and his future service to our country.”
“Walbridge has a long history of its leaders serving our nation,” Haller continued. “In 1917, its first CEO and original founder, George Walbridge, answered the call to military service after the outbreak of WWI. John’s father, John Rakolta Sr., who preceded John as CEO of Walbridge, was a 2nd lieutenant and bombardier navigator on a B-26 bomber during WWII. He was taken prisoner by Germany after his aircraft was shot down.”
Mike Haller concluded “When President Trump first nominated John two years ago, our management team prepared for this transition. They are an experienced, talented and well-organized group who will continue delivering world class services to Walbridge’s customers. I look forward to working with our dedicated team as we continue Walbridge’s success into its second century.”
Walbridge (www.walbridge.com) is a privately held, top-60 construction company founded in Detroit in 1916. The company offers construction management, design-build, general contracting, and related services for customers in a broad range of fields including automotive, aviation, commercial, education, industrial manufacturing, mission critical, power and energy, and water/waste water. Walbridge employs 1,000 professionals committed to sustainable construction and maintaining injury-free workplaces.