Priestly Demolition Taps New CEO for Ambitious North American Growth

KING, ON – January 05, 2026 – Priestly Demolition Inc. (PDI), a Canadian leader in the specialized demolition and infrastructure services sector, has announced a significant restructuring of its executive team, signaling a strategic pivot designed to accelerate an already aggressive growth and diversification strategy across North America.

In a move that blends external expertise with deep internal knowledge, the company has appointed Shane Stewart as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President. The announcement, made on January 5, also included the elevation of two long-standing internal leaders: Brian Priestly has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Andrew Smith has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Concurrently, Ryan Priestly will transition from his role as CEO to focus entirely on his position as Owner, where he will provide long-term strategic oversight. This leadership evolution marks a pivotal moment for the award-winning, family-founded company as it positions itself for its next chapter of expansion.

A Strategic Infusion of New Leadership

The appointment of Shane Stewart as CEO is a clear indicator of PDI's ambitious intentions. Stewart is not an industry newcomer; he brings a formidable track record of scaling and transforming businesses across Canada and the United States. His background is deeply rooted in construction, infrastructure, and demolition-adjacent projects, making him a strategic fit for PDI's core business and future aspirations.

Stewart's experience extends to managing complex and remote operations, a critical skill set as PDI continues to take on large-scale projects in diverse geographical locations. His proven ability to foster strong relationships with Indigenous communities is also a significant asset, aligning with modern infrastructure project requirements and corporate social responsibility standards. The company highlighted that his experience within family-owned businesses aligns closely with PDI's established culture and values, suggesting a deliberate choice to find a leader who can drive change while respecting the company's heritage.

This external hire is a calculated move to inject new perspectives into an already successful formula. Stewart is tasked with steering the company through a period of accelerated operational sophistication, leveraging his background to enhance efficiency, expand PDI's footprint, and navigate the complexities of new markets.

Fortifying the Foundation from Within

Balancing the introduction of a new CEO, PDI has simultaneously reinforced its leadership core by promoting from within. The appointments of Brian Priestly to COO and Andrew Smith to CFO underscore the company's confidence in its established talent and ensure continuity in its operational and financial strategies.

As the new COO, Brian Priestly will be responsible for leading operational strategy and execution across all divisions. Having played a central role in guiding PDI through years of significant growth, his hands-on leadership and deep understanding of the company's intricate operations are invaluable. His promotion ensures that the commitment to operational excellence and safety that defines PDI remains at the forefront as the company scales.

Andrew Smith, in his continuing role as CFO, will maintain stewardship over PDI's financial health, overseeing strategy, planning, and governance. Described as a trusted financial leader, Smith has successfully navigated the company through periods of increasing complexity and expansion while maintaining strict financial discipline. His institutional knowledge is critical for managing the financial demands of PDI's growth trajectory, including funding for acquisitions and major capital investments in its fleet.

Evolving a Family Legacy for Market Dominance

The leadership transition represents a significant evolution for the family-run business. Ryan Priestly's shift from the day-to-day responsibilities of a CEO to the strategic oversight role of Owner is a classic and often successful strategy in the lifecycle of a family enterprise. This move allows him to focus on the long-term vision and preserve the core values of family, integrity, innovation, and safety that have been instrumental in PDI's success, a fact underscored by its repeated recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies.

By empowering a new executive team—a carefully constructed blend of external perspective and internal experience—PDI is positioning itself to maintain its cultural identity while aggressively pursuing market opportunities. The structure allows for nimble, expert-led execution under Stewart, grounded by the steadying influence of the Priestly family's founding vision. This hybrid governance model is designed to make the company more resilient and adaptable in a competitive landscape.

Positioning for an Infrastructure Boom

These leadership changes are not happening in a vacuum. They are a direct response to, and preparation for, a booming market. The demolition and infrastructure sectors in both Canada and the United States are poised for substantial growth, fueled by rapid urbanization, population expansion, and massive government investments. Canada alone anticipates over C$300 billion in investment for its largest public infrastructure projects by 2025, with significant funds earmarked for clean power and green infrastructure.

PDI is exceptionally well-positioned to capture a significant share of this market. The company has already demonstrated a proactive growth strategy through the majority acquisitions of Jones Group Ltd. in Ontario and Green City Demolition Inc. in Ohio, expanding its reach and capabilities. Its reputation is built on tackling complex, high-profile projects, from the Gardiner Expressway demolition to the award-winning Humber Hospital project, which was lauded for its environmental stewardship.

The company's competitive edge is further sharpened by its technological investments. With one of Canada's largest demolition fleets, including the nation's tallest high-reach excavator, and the use of efficiency-boosting technology like the OilQuick system and advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, PDI can execute complex projects with greater speed, safety, and precision. This new leadership team, combining Stewart's scaling expertise with the Priestlys' operational mastery and Smith's financial acumen, is now tasked with harnessing these capabilities to their fullest potential. Together, they will guide PDI as it works to solidify its foundation, expand its North American footprint, and continue its evolution into a global, value-driven organization in the demolition and infrastructure industry.