CRB adds three C-suite roles, restructures US operations

CRB, which provides design, construction and consulting services to food and beverage manufacturers, has expanded its executive team with three new C-level positions and realigned its U.S. regional structure.

The Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.-based company added a chief innovation officer, chief client officer and chief strategy officer while consolidating from five to four U.S. geographic regions. 

Shannah Falcone becomes CRB’s first chief client officer.CRBLee Emel, previously interim president and CEO, will serve as chief innovation officer, overseeing consulting, commissioning/qualification/validation services, sustainability programs and procurement. Shannah Falcone becomes the company's first chief client officer, leading client strategy, business development and marketing integration. Eric Unrau takes the chief strategy officer role, managing long-term planning, mergers and acquisitions, and international expansion.

Eric Unrau takes on the role of chief strategy officer.CRB"For more than 40 years, CRB has led the industry not only through technical excellence but by redefining how work gets done in our sector and supporting clients in their drive toward more successful and effective program delivery," said president and CEO Vahid Ownjazayeri. "Our people and our clients are at the heart of everything we do. These changes are about honoring that commitment — empowering our teams, scaling our capabilities, staying nimble in how we deliver, and strengthening our connections between our talented thought leaders and the clients we serve."

The regional restructuring creates four divisions:

• West Region: Denver, Bay Area, Orange County and San Diego
• Central Region: Omaha, Dallas, Kansas City, St. Louis and Kalamazoo
• Southeast Region: Raleigh, Atlanta and Jacksonville
• Northeast Region: Philadelphia, Boston, Bridgewater, N.J. and Rockville, Md.

CRB maintains a separate national Food & Beverage business unit led by Tom Rychlewski.

"Our clients expect us to show up with deep local knowledge and the ability to mobilize quickly across geographies," Ownjazayeri said. "This new structure is about seamlessly matching the right expertise to the right projects — wherever they are."

The company noted the reorganization coincides with significant investment activity in CRB's core markets. Life sciences companies including AstraZeneca, Roche, Novartis, Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson have committed over $300 billion in U.S. investment over five years. A Deloitte survey shows 68% of life sciences executives expect revenue growth in 2025.

Matt Khair was named chief of staff to manage CEO operations and executive team coordination. The leadership changes add to CRB's existing executive team of COO Sam Kitchell, CFO Ken Olson, chief people officer Danielle David, chief legal officer Chris Walker and senior vice president Daniel Backman.

"We're doubling down on what makes us different: visionary leadership, an unwavering commitment to our clients and people, and the ability to scale with purpose," said Ownjazayeri. "This is the next chapter of CRB's story, and it's one rooted in bold thinking, responsible growth and lasting impact."