Bob Pragada’s path is one of growth and unwavering commitment. His story begins in uniform, nine years in the U.S. Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps. It was there, among the disciplined ranks, that Bob not only rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander but also earned the remarkable distinction of serving as Facilities Director at Camp David, directly supporting the President of the United States.
Graduating from the U.S. with a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering, Bob went on to sharpen his skills at Stanford University, earning a Master of Science in engineering and management.
Transitioning to Industry Leadership
After his naval service, Bob moved into the private sector. His first major executive role was as Chief Operating Officer at Kinetics, a global process solutions provider in the semiconductor and pharma-biotech industries.
In 2006, he joined Jacobs and advanced through its leadership ranks, serving as Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Group Vice President for the Northern Region (U.S. and Ireland), and Vice President of Field Services.
In a bold move, Bob left to lead the Brock Group as President and CEO. There, he honed his leadership and vision, positioning the company for operational strength and recognition in industrial services.
Return to Jacobs and Rising to the Top
In 2016, Jacobs welcomed Bob back to lead its Global Industrial and Buildings & Infrastructure lines of business. He guided key strategic moves, among them, the acquisition of CH2M HILL and Jacobs’ majority investment in PA Consulting, both high-impact milestones.
His leadership continued to make an impact. In November 2019, he became President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Jacobs, overseeing global operations with focus and clarity.
On January 24, 2023, Bob took the helm as Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Jacobs, marking a new chapter not only for him but also for the company’s future direction.
Steering Through Complexity and Change
Since becoming CEO, Bob has guided Jacobs through several important transformations. He led the critical merger of Jacobs’ Critical Mission Solutions and Cyber & Intelligence businesses with Amentum, an important step that sharpened the company’s focus on infrastructure and resilience.
Under his leadership, Jacobs continues to thrive even amid global uncertainties. Bob commented recently that tariff debates are not threats but opportunities, chances for Jacobs to support clients with supply chain strategies. He highlighted strength and growth in sectors like water, infrastructure, data centers, and advanced facilities.
Beyond the Title: Bob the Person
Bob isn’t only a leader on paper; his life outside the boardroom reveals equal parts warmth and relatability. A sports enthusiast and devoted fan, he loves attending games of all kinds. At home, he shares laughter and playlist exchanges with his wife, Jessica, and their two sons, Bobby and Cahlin.
He once shared a charming anecdote about family music: early on, his tastes shaped his sons’, and eventually, as they grew older, their musical sensibilities shaped his own.
Trusted Advisor, Global Citizen
A network builder at heart, Bob serves on several boards and advisory councils. He’s a director at Eaton and serves with the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, the Dallas Regional Chamber, and PA Consulting. His insights also enrich the Brightstar Capital Partners Advisory Council, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Advisory Council, and the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Council.
In 2024, the U.S.-India Business Council honored Bob with its Global Leadership Award, celebrating his efforts to deepen economic connections between the U.S. and India.
Bob Pragada’s story is not one of overnight glory. It’s been built one thoughtful move at a time, from naval officer to COO, from executive to CEO. He brings a quiet strength: an ability to lead under pressure, to forge strategy with heart, and to remain humble even while holding the steering wheel of a Fortune 500 global firm.
With more than 30 years of leadership across government, industry, and advisory spheres, Bob remains grounded and deeply human. Whether guiding global strategy or swapping music picks with his sons, he’s a reminder that great leaders are also great listeners.
