CHICAGO – March 17, 2026 – Becknell Industrial (“the Company”), a national leader in industrial real estate development, design, construction, and long-term asset management, today announced a planned executive leadership succession plan to position the company for continued growth.

Mark Shapland will depart from the role of Chief Executive Officer after 18 years with the Company, including fifteen years as Chief Operating Officer and three years as Chief Executive Officer.  As part of the Company’s succession plan, it has appointed current Chief Financial Officer, Clay Thelen to the role of Chief Executive Officer.  Thelen will continue to serve as interim Chief Financial Officer until a successor is appointed. The Company’s former Chief Financial Officer and current board of directors member Matt Cohoat will provide support during the transition. The Company’s co-founder Dan Harrington will maintain his role as Executive Chairman of the Becknell Industrial Board of Directors.

“I am proud to have been a part of a team that has had tremendous growth and success over the past 18 years and continued to grow Becknell into a national brand.” said Shapland. “Our succession plan reflects thoughtful preparation and investment and I’m confident our leadership team is ready to guide Becknell into its next phase of growth.”

“I am honored to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer and very grateful to Mark for his guidance and support as well as for the Board’s trust in me to continue the Company’s 36-year legacy,” said Thelen.  “I look forward to continuing to advance our position as an industry leader and delivering results for our clients, tenants, investors, and team members.”

Additional leadership appointments include:

• Peter Shaplin has been appointed Chief Investment Officer, now leading Business Development and Leasing.
• Craig Kouri, the firm’s President of Design & Construction, has been appointed President & Chief Operating Officer, expanding his leadership across design, construction, property management, IT, and marketing.
• Long-time Becknell Industrial Board of Directors member Patrick Harrington will join the Company from Champaign, Illinois-based Harrington Law LLC to assume the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel role. Mr. Harrington will be succeeded as Managing Partner of Harrington Law by Andrew Harrington who will continue the firm’s specialized legal services to real estate and business clientele.
• Industry veteran Paige Steers has joined in a new full-time Chief Marketing Officer role.

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 five additional offices in Charlotte, Denver, Indianapolis, Miami, and San Diego. Over its 36-year history, Becknell has acquired or developed more than 248 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
M. 312.402.2289
psteers@becknellindustrial.com