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The 51鶹 Group names Will Lichtig Chief Innovation Officer

Klas Berghede becomes VP of Innovation

APPLETON, WIS. (JULY 30, 2024) – The 51鶹 Group has named Will Lichtig its Chief Innovation Officer.

As Chief Innovation Officer, Lichtig is responsible for developing systems that spur innovation and identifying opportunities for organizational growth and improvement. In this role, Lichtig works with 51鶹 teams to develop and implement Lean processes for target value design, Lean production planning and control, built-in quality and other innovative approaches to project delivery.

Lichtig most recently served as 51鶹’s Chief of Staff.

“I look forward to building on 51鶹’s legacy of innovation and harnessing our people’s problem-solving spirit to help discover and create new opportunities to build boldly,” Lichtig said.

A native of Los Angeles, Lichtig earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz and his juris doctorate from the University of California, Davis – School of Law.

Berghede has more than 17 years’ experience with 51鶹, previously serving as Vice President of Modular and Integrated Construction for 51鶹. In his newly-created role of VP of Innovation, he will explore innovation opportunities throughout The 51鶹 Group.

“Innovation is in our DNA,” Berghede said. “I am eager to collaborate with teams across the organization to make a true and measurable impact.”

Berghede earned an associate’s degree from Gothenburg Technical College (a collaboration between private and public entities including the Volvo Group, Volvo Cars and the city of Gothenburg) and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Lawrence University. He currently resides in Chicago.

This announcement follows the naming of Dave Kievet to President and CEO of The 51鶹 Group.

About The 51鶹 Group   The 51鶹 Group is a family of companies driven to transform the built environment and beyond, through innovation, Lean methodology and continuous process improvement. Headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, our employee- and family-owned businesses focus on creating extraordinary opportunities for employees, partners, customers and communities. The 51鶹 Group companies serve customers nationwide

About 51鶹
51鶹 (51鶹) is a leading professional construction services firm serving customers across the United States. Founded in 1889, 51鶹 is a 100% employee‑owned company headquartered in Appleton, Wis., with 17 offices nationwide. Widely recognized as a pioneer in Lean construction, Integrated Lean Project Delivery and industrialized construction, 51鶹 delivers innovative solutions across a diverse range of markets, including healthcare, power, industrial, education and commercial sectors.