TOLEDO, Ohio, November 10, 2026 – SSOE Group, an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, recently announced the addition of two new principal owners and key leadership promotions for 2027. The appointments recognize leaders whose technical expertise, client focus, and contributions to SSOE’s continued growth are helping position the firm for the future.
New Principals Named
SSOE has named Rob Castor, PE, and Zac Smith as the firm’s newest principals. The principal designation recognizes leaders whose impact extends across technical expertise, client service, people leadership, and business growth.
Rob Castor, PE, Principal, Advanced Technology, joined SSOE in 2023 through the IES Engineering acquisition, bringing nearly 20 years of experience spanning project management, environmental compliance, process engineering, and facility operations. His experience on both the owner and consultant sides of the industry provides a valuable perspective in anticipating and meeting client needs.
Rob, who currently serves as a Department Manager within SSOE’s Advanced Technology operation, brings deep expertise in gas and chemical storage, distribution, industrial waste handling, and environmental permitting compliance. Rob is currently leading a large confidential semiconductor project, and overseeing several client accounts, reflecting his technical depth and client-focused leadership.
Zac Smith, Principal, has served as Civil Department Manager and Civil Practice Group Leader within SSOE’s Facilities operation, where he built and mentored a civil engineering team spanning the firm’s U.S., Mexico, and India offices. Earlier this year, Zac transitioned to full-time oversight of SSOE’s India operations, working closely with in-country leadership to grow and integrate a team of more than 130 professionals in Mumbai. His role supports the strategic expansion of SSOE’s international workforce as part of the firm’s 2030 strategic plan.
He has also represented SSOE at industry events including LCI Congress and Data Center World and has contributed to key projects and pursuits ranging from greenfield battery manufacturing plants to emerging data center opportunities.
Key Leadership Promotions
SSOE also announced the promotion of Erick Kuri and Jennifer Willard from Principal to Vice President, recognizing their continued leadership and expanding impact across the firm.
Erick Kuri, Vice President, serves as a Division Manager within SSOE’s Facilities operation and as Mexico Operations Director. He also serves on SSOE’s Board as the first Director based outside the United States. Erick joined SSOE in 2014, as a Business Leader playing a key role in establishing and growing SSOE’s operations in Mexico from the ground up. He was promoted to Operations Director in 2017 and Principal in 2023. His more than two decades of AEC experience includes automotive and manufacturing facilities and distribution center projects across Mexico and global markets, supporting multinational clients and complex industrial programs. He holds an Industrial and Systems Engineering degree from the University of Sonora and a Project Management certification from the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, endorsed by the Project Management Institute.
Jennifer Willard, Vice President, serves as Division Manager for SSOE’s Tool Install Division and has been leading the continued growth of the firm’s Arizona operations. Jennifer brings decades of experience planning and executing large-scale semiconductor manufacturing projects worldwide, including multiple leadership roles at Intel Corporation. Her background includes global tool install engineering management and program and schedule management for nearly two dozen major fab expansions and greenfield projects. She holds a Construction Engineering degree from the University of New Mexico, LEED certification for New Construction, and an AGC Certificate of Management – Lean Construction.
These promotions follow the previously announced appointment of Brandon Darroch as SSOE’s Facilities Strategic Business Unit Manager, filling the role left open by Greg Brogley’s appointment as SSOE’s President and CEO-Elect. Brandon was also promoted
from Vice President to Senior Vice President as he takes on his expanded leadership role.
Together, these appointments reflect SSOE’s continued focus on developing leaders from within the organization, strengthening its operations, and positioning the firm for continued growth.
To view a full list of SSOE Leadership, visit the SSOE Leadership page.