The board of directors of MDU Resources Group Inc. named Brian R. Gray president of the company’s wholly owned construction materials subsidiary, Knife River Corp., effective Jan. 1, 2023. David C. Barney will remain Knife River’s chief executive officer.
On Aug. 4, MDU Resources announced its intent to separate Knife River into an independent, publicly traded company. The separation is expected to be effected as a tax-free spinoff to MDU Resources stockholders and is on track to be completed in 2023.
“Dave and Brian have extensive business and leadership experience, and the board is confident they will continue to do an excellent job leading the organization as Knife River transitions to becoming a stand-alone, publicly traded company,” said Dennis W. Johnson, chair of MDU Resources’ board.
Barney has 36 years of experience with Knife River in various leadership positions. He has been president of the company since 2011 and CEO since 2013.
Gray has 29 years of experience with Knife River and has been president of Knife River’s Northwest Region since 2012. Since 2018, he has led seven acquisitions in the region, most recently the addition of Baker Rock Resources in the Portland Metro market.
“Brian has a strategic mindset that has driven strong growth in Knife River’s Northwest Region,” said David L. Goodin, president and CEO of MDU Resources. “Brian’s business development experience complements Dave’s. They will make a great team leading Knife River to continued success, providing shareholders with attractive returns while ensuring the company continues to serve stakeholders, including customers, communities and employees.”