Joel Veenstra has been named president of Baker Group, a full-service specialty contractor headquartered in Ankeny.

Veenstra will replace Doug Kumm, who is retiring after 36 years with the company. Kumm became Baker Group’s president in December 2021. Kumm’s “expertise, dedication and steady leadership have left a lasting mark on both the organization and the broader industry,” according to the news release.

Veenstra has been with Baker Group for over 24 years, according to his LinkedIn profile. He currently is the company’s executive vice president – new construction, a position he’s had since December 2021.

In addition to Veenstra’s appointment, Baker Group announced two other leadership changes:

• Tom Wengert has been named executive vice president and will continue to support the company’s sheet metal and mechanical teams. Wengert has been with Baker Group 26 years and has led the sheet metal division since 2007.
• Russ Connett has been named vice president of sheet metal. Connett has been with Baker Group 30 years and has been a team lead and senior project manager.

The leadership changes are effective Oct. 1.

“These promotions reflect both the depth of talent within our organization and our commitment to thoughtful succession planning,” Gary Bridgewater, CEO of Baker Group, said in the release. “We are grateful for Doug’s remarkable leadership and look forward to the continued growth and success of Baker Group under Joel, Tom, and Russ.”

Baker Group, founded in 1963, an employee-owned contractor delivering a variety of services, including mechanical, plumbing, piping, electrical, custom metals and building automation.