Dodge’s Murray retires, successor named

By |  September 5, 2019

Murray

Robert Murray, the longstanding chief economist and vice president at Dodge Data & Analytics, retired at the end of August. Richard Branch, an industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience as an economist, will succeed Murray as the firm’s chief economist.

As chief economist, Branch’s focus will be to lead Dodge’s tracking, analyzing and forecasting of North American construction activity. Branch will also work closely with clients and the trade media.

Branch’s work includes the continued execution of the monthly Dodge Momentum Index, National Construction Starts research and the Dodge Construction Outlook.

“Throughout my years at Dodge, I’ve had the privilege of working directly with Robert Murray and his team of expert economists that have their fingers firmly on the pulse of the construction industry,” Branch says. “As chief economist, I’m excited and eager to build upon an already strong foundation, and further solidify Dodge as the premier, go-to resource for construction industry insight and authority on data, trends and market activity.”

In addition to Branch’s appointment, Dodge named Kim Kennedy as its director of forecasting. Kennedy will co-author the annual Outlook report and flagship quarterly Construction Market Forecasting Service publications.

Kennedy has more than 30 years of professional experience in construction economics, macroeconomics, consumer and labor economics.

Both Branch and Kennedy will be present at the firm’s 81st Annual Dodge Construction Outlook Conference in Chicago on Oct. 31. Branch will keynote the event and present the 2020 Outlook report findings, which include a dive into current and future construction opportunities across the United States and beyond.

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Kevin Yanik

About the Author:

Kevin Yanik is editor-in-chief of Pit & Quarry. He can be reached at 216-706-3724 or kyanik@northcoastmedia.net.

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