Argan, Inc. Announces Leadership Succession at The Roberts Company
Argan, Inc. today announced that Bobby Foister, Jr., the Chief Executive Officer of The Roberts Company, Inc. (“TRC”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Argan, has resigned from his position effective April 30, 2025, as part of a carefully planned long-term succession strategy. Following his resignation, Foister will transition into a reduced supporting role at TRC. As anticipated, Sean Terrell, who has served as President of TRC since 2023, will now take on the additional responsibility of Chief Executive Officer.
Despite stepping down from the CEO position, Foister will continue to serve as the Chairman of TRC’s Board and will provide leadership support during the transition period. His involvement in the company will also extend to a variety of other key roles to ensure operational continuity and ongoing success at TRC.
David Watson, President and CEO of Argan, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Bobby Foister’s contributions over the past decade. In his statement, Watson said, “On behalf of the entire Argan team and Board, I would like to thank Bobby for his valuable contributions over the past ten years with TRC. Bobby has been a driving force behind TRC’s growth, leading the company through significant milestones while building a strong culture of operational excellence and teamwork.
As a testament to his commitment and loyalty to the organization, Bobby will continue to support the team as Chairman of the Board to ensure a smooth transition. We appreciate Bobby’s lasting impact on TRC and extend our best wishes as he transitions into semi-retirement.”
Foister’s leadership at TRC has been instrumental in the company’s evolution and expansion. Under his guidance, TRC has seen significant growth, achieving notable milestones in operations and setting the foundation for the next phase of development. Foister’s ability to cultivate a high-performance culture and his unwavering dedication to operational excellence have contributed to TRC’s standing as a respected player in its industry.
A Strong Leadership Transition at TRC
The leadership transition at TRC is designed to build upon the successes and stability achieved under Bobby Foister’s leadership. Sean Terrell’s appointment to the role of CEO reflects the strategic planning and foresight that Argan and TRC have embraced as part of their succession planning. Terrell’s vast experience and operational expertise make him an ideal choice to lead TRC into its next phase of growth and development.
Sean Terrell brings over three decades of leadership, operational, and strategic experience to his new role as CEO. Before joining TRC, Terrell held senior leadership positions at Overland Contracting, Inc. (“OCI”), a subsidiary of Black & Veatch that provides construction solutions for non-union critical infrastructure projects. OCI’s projects span industries including power generation, power delivery, water, and telecommunications.
In his time at Black & Veatch, Terrell served as the Regional Director of Construction and Procurement Operations for the Sub-Saharan Africa and Americas regions before being appointed President of OCI. Terrell’s international experience includes overseeing construction operations at the Kusile Power Station project in South Africa, one of the world’s largest coal-fired power stations. His leadership helped navigate the challenges of such a high-profile project, cementing his reputation as a skilled leader in the infrastructure space.
Earlier in his career, Terrell spent seven years with Gemma Power Systems, which, like OCI, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Argan. His tenure at Gemma provided him with critical insights into the operational complexities and strategic challenges faced by companies in the construction and energy sectors. These experiences have equipped Terrell with a unique perspective on the industry and a deep understanding of TRC’s business and corporate culture, positioning him to lead the company effectively moving forward.
In addition to his industry experience, Terrell has shown a strong commitment to leadership development, operational improvements, and strategic innovation. He has a proven track record of driving organizational change and fostering environments that prioritize efficiency, safety, and high-quality performance. These qualities align well with TRC’s focus on maintaining a culture of operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Terrell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering from Iowa State University, which has provided him with a solid foundation in the technical aspects of construction and engineering. His academic background, combined with his extensive professional experience, positions him as a leader capable of navigating the complexities of the construction industry while driving TRC’s strategic initiatives.
Commitment to Operational Excellence and Growth
The transition from Bobby Foister to Sean Terrell as CEO comes at a pivotal moment in TRC’s history. With a strong leadership team in place, TRC is well-positioned to continue its expansion and operational improvements. Under Terrell’s leadership, TRC will focus on enhancing its capabilities, expanding its portfolio, and leveraging new opportunities to drive growth. This transition is a clear reflection of TRC’s commitment to operational excellence and its strategic focus on sustained, long-term success.
David Watson, President and CEO of Argan, also emphasized Terrell’s importance to the company’s future success. “Sean has been an important member of the TRC leadership team and has worked closely with Bobby and the broader organization to deliver outstanding results,” Watson commented. “His appointment reflects the strength of TRC’s team and our commitment to thoughtful succession planning. I look forward to working with Sean as he leads TRC into its next phase of success.”
The move to elevate Terrell to the role of CEO underscores the importance of strong internal leadership at TRC. Terrell’s familiarity with the company’s operations, combined with his extensive leadership experience, positions him to seamlessly step into the role and continue the company’s growth trajectory. His deep knowledge of TRC’s culture and values, paired with his strategic vision, will be crucial in guiding the company as it navigates future challenges and capitalizes on new opportunities in the construction and energy sectors.
In his new role, Terrell will work closely with the TRC executive team to ensure the Argan company continues to thrive. He will focus on driving operational efficiencies, fostering innovation, and expanding TRC’s market presence. The goal is to build on the solid foundation established by Foister and continue to position TRC as a leader in the construction and infrastructure industries.
A Legacy of Growth and Stability at TRC
Bobby Foister’s legacy at TRC is one of growth, stability, and strong leadership. Over the years, Foister has led the Argan company through various challenges, navigating market fluctuations and positioning TRC for success in an increasingly competitive industry. His efforts have contributed to TRC’s reputation for delivering high-quality construction services and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the infrastructure sector.
Foister’s decision to transition to a reduced role marks the end of an era at TRC. However, his continued involvement as Chairman of the Board ensures that his expertise and vision will remain integral to the Argan company’s ongoing success. As Chairman, Foister will continue to provide valuable guidance and mentorship to the leadership team and will help steer the company through the transition period. His support will be critical in maintaining continuity during this leadership change.
Foister’s enduring impact on TRC cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, TRC achieved significant milestones, including successful project completions, expansions into new markets, and the development of strong relationships with clients and partners. These accomplishments are a testament to Foister’s strategic foresight, operational acumen, and commitment to building a strong Argan company culture.
As Foister moves into semi-retirement, the company will benefit from his continued mentorship and involvement. TRC’s success is a reflection of his leadership, and his legacy will continue to influence the company for years to come.
Looking Ahead: TRC’s Future Under New Leadership
With Sean Terrell at the helm, TRC is poised for continued growth and success. The Argan company’s leadership team is strong, and the focus remains on executing TRC’s strategic initiatives while fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. Terrell’s leadership, combined with the support of a seasoned executive team, will ensure that TRC remains well-positioned to meet the evolving demands of the construction and energy industries.
In addition to his leadership responsibilities at TRC, Terrell will continue to build on the company’s reputation for delivering high-quality construction services and ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest safety standards. The Argan company’s commitment to operational excellence will be reinforced under Terrell’s guidance, and TRC will remain focused on delivering exceptional value to its clients.
The succession plan at TRC is a testament to the Argan company’s commitment to long-term stability and growth. By promoting from within and ensuring that the leadership transition is seamless, TRC has set the stage for a bright future. With Sean Terrell leading the charge, the company is well-equipped to navigate the challenges of the future and continue building on its legacy of success.
