MDU elevates Knife River NW Region chief, 29-year veteran Gray

Source: MDU Resources Group, Bismarck, N.D.

The MDU Resources Board has named Brian Gray as president of construction materials subsidiary Knife River Corp., where 36-year veteran David Barney remains chief executive officer. With a Knife River tenure just shy of 30 years, Gray has headed the producer’s Northwest Region for a decade and overseen seven bolt-on acquisitions since 2018, most recently a deal for Oregon’s Baker Rock Resources. 

His appointment is effective January and anticipates MDU’s tax-free spinoff of Knife River by mid-2023. “Dave and Brian have extensive business and leadership experience, and the board is confident they will continue to do an excellent job leading the organization as Knife River transitions to a stand-alone, publicly traded company,” says MDU Chair Dennis Johnson.

“Brian has a strategic mindset that has driven strong growth in Knife River’s Northwest Region,” adds MDU CEO David Goodin. “His business development experience complements Dave’s. They will make a great team leading Knife River to continued success, providing shareholders with attractive returns while ensuring the company continues to serve customers, communities and employees.”

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