Skanska appoints Bush aide to oversee PPP expansion

Skanska's international PPP division has recruited two executive vice presidents to oversee PPP infrastructure projects in North America and central and eastern Europe.

In his new role for Skanska Infrastructure Development Karl Reichelt, former aide to US president George Bush, will focus on major highways developments and PPP opportunities in Texas and other key US regions.

Roman Matkiwsky, formerly of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, will develop major infrastructure programs to support the emerging economies of central and eastern Europe (CEE).

In the USA, Skanska ID is involved in developing transportation projects in Texas, Virginia and New York.

"It is an honour to join Skanska and to lead the infrastructure development business in North America," said Reichelt, a former chief of staff of the US General Services Administration who led public construction and real estate projects across the USA.

"Developing infrastructure through PPP is emerging in North America and because of Skanska's reputation as a world-class company both here and abroad, we have great possibilities to impact this market."

Skanska Infrastructure Development is also a major partner in the development of the A1 Motorway in Poland, and is working on highways and health projects throughout CEE.

The company has appointed Matkiwsky, who was involved in numerous CEE infrastructure development projects while working at the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, to develop its business in the rapidly growing PPP market in the region.

Matkiwsky said: "There is a massive need for infrastructure in the countries that have recently joined the EU, and Skanska has a key role to play in delivering it. I'm looking forward to building the knowledge of PPP in these markets."