Chris Wescott and Joe Beaty to Lead Accounting as CFO Successors
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – July 29, 2026 —Becknell Industrial today announced the promotion of Chris Wescott to Chief Accounting Officer and Joe Beaty to Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance, reinforcing the company’s executive leadership team as it continues to expand its investment management, development, construction and property management platforms nationwide.
The leadership appointments reflect Becknell’s continued momentum and strategic investment in building a best-in-class executive team to support its growing portfolio. Since Chief Executive Officer Clay Thelen accelerated into his current CEO role in March, the company’s executive team has been searching to appoint a CFO to backfill Mr. Thelen’s dual roles. Becknell is delighted to promote two leaders into that role in complimentary functions that will fill Mr. Thelen’s past CFO responsibilities.
In his new role as Chief Accounting Officer, Wescott will oversee the company’s accounting and financial reporting functions, including joint venture reporting, property accounting, construction accounting, and financial statement audits. He will also play a critical role in maintaining the financial discipline and transparency required to support Becknell’s continued growth and investment activities. As Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance, Beaty will lead Becknell’s corporate forecasting, treasury management, tax coordination, and financial planning functions. Working closely with the executive leadership team, he will help guide the company’s financial strategy and support the continued growth of Becknell’s national real estate platform.
“These appointments reflect the depth of talent we have built within Becknell and our commitment to investing in leadership as we continue to grow,” said Clay Thelen, Chief Executive Officer of Becknell Industrial. “Chris and Joe are highly respected leaders who understand our business, our partners, and our long-term vision. Their expertise will help us continue delivering exceptional service and financial stewardship while supporting our expanding base of institutional investors, capital partners, and property tenants.”
Together, these appointments underscore Becknell’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its internal expertise and creating an organizational structure that supports the increasingly sophisticated needs of institutional investors, joint venture partners, and occupier clients. As the company continues to grow nationally, Becknell remains focused on assembling the leadership talent necessary to deliver long-term value across its fully integrated development, construction, investment, and property management businesses.
About Chris Wescott
Chris Wescott serves as Chief Accounting Officer of Becknell Industrial, where he is responsible for the company’s accounting and financial reporting functions, including joint venture reporting, financial statement audits, property accounting, and construction accounting. Mr. Wescott joined the Becknell Team in 2011 and has served in various roles within the accounting department prior to his promotion to Senior Vice President – Corporate Controller in March of 2023. Throughout his tenure with Becknell, Wescott has played an important leadership role in supporting the company’s growth and ensuring financial excellence across its expanding portfolio and development platform. Chris graduated from Ball State University with a major in accounting and a minor in computer science.
About Joe Beaty
Joe Beaty serves as Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance at Becknell Industrial, where he oversees the company’s corporate forecasting, treasury management, tax coordination, financial reporting, audit functions, and strategic financial operations. Since joining Becknell in 2021, Joe has established himself as a key leader within the Accounting and Corporate Finance teams, bringing expertise in corporate forecasting, treasury management, and financial reporting. Joe also played an integral role in the successful launch of Becknell Industrial Income Trust (BIIT), leading several critical financial functions throughout its development. In his current role, Joe continues to provide financial leadership and support the company’s longterm-growth initiatives. Joe received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Purdue University.
About Becknell Industrial
Becknell Industrial is a national leader in purpose-built industrial real estate development, design & construction and long-term asset management. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in suburban Chicago, with four additional offices in Charlotte, Indianapolis, Miami, and San Diego. Over its 36-year history, Becknell has acquired or developed over 250 industrial buildings occupying in excess of 41 million square feet with a total capitalization of $4.5 billion. For more information visit:
www.becknellindustrial.com.
Media Contact
Paige Steers
Chief Marketing Officer
312.402.2289
psteers@becknellindustrial.com
