Walz appoints Lawrence as MAC board chair. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has appointed James Lawrence as chair of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) board, which operates Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) as well as six reliever Twin Cities airports. Lawrence, who previously served as the vice-chair of the board, replaces chair Rick King, who retired in November, and Patti Gartland, who has served as acting chair since King's retirement. Outside of his work with the MAC, Lawrence serves as the chair of a Minneapolis-based private investment firm and previously worked as executive director and chief financial officer of Unilever; chief financial officer at General Mills; executive vice president and chief financial officer of Northwest Airlines; CEO of Pepsi-Cola Asia, Middle East and Africa; and as co-founder of global consultancy firm LEK Partnership. Lawrence has also served on the boards of IAG (International Consolidated Airlines Group), Continental Airlines, TWA, Mesaba and British Airways. "I am honored by Gov. Walz's appointment and proud to serve the state of Minnesota in this role, with great appreciation for former chair King, acting chair Gartland and my fellow commissioners for their service and dedication to the MAC," said Lawrence. "I'm looking forward to working with a tremendous commission staff that operates one of the largest airports systems in the country. That includes MSP airport, which has earned the highest honors in the industry and provides global travel and business connections that greatly benefit Minnesota." "We congratulate James Lawrence on his elevation to MAC board chair," added MAC CEO Brian Ryks. "The MAC's airports facilitate travel for millions of people annually and deeply support regional business partners and other stakeholders. Commissioner Lawrence's proven leadership will help guide the positive impact our airports have on Minnesotans and our state's economy."

Affordability, tariffs and supply-demand imbalances: 2025 Building & Infrastructure dinner. | Lincoln International and L.E.K. Consulting recently co-hosted the 17th annual Building & Infrastructure event in New York City, drawing a record turnout of more than 150 executives and investors across the construction and building products value chain. The evening began with a cocktail networking reception and included remarks from Matt Korsch, Managing Director and Head of L.E.K.'s Building & Construction practice; Scott Molinaro, Managing Director and Co-Head of Lincoln's building products practice; and John Burns, CEO of John Burns Research & Consulting, who delivered the keynote address. Against a backdrop of affordability challenges, tariff disruptions and shifting supply-demand dynamics, the evening featured candid discussion on the forces reshaping today's market and how leaders are positioning for the next cycle of growth. Below are several of the major insights discussed. |