David E. Constable is a Canadian–American engineer turned executive who shaped Fluor Corporation for over four decades with steady leadership and global vision.
David E. Constable’s leadership is marked by endurance and adaptability. A civil engineer by training, he made his name in global operations, then applied that experience to lead a major transformation at Sasol. As Fluor’s CEO and then Chair, he promoted disciplined execution and renewed strategic vision.
Now in the role of Executive Chairman through mid‑2025 and beyond, he remains a guiding, steady hand. Constable’s career exemplifies leadership born of deep institutional knowledge, global perspective, and an unwavering focus on value creation.
Roots and Early Career
Born in 1961, Constable earned a civil engineering degree from the University of Alberta and later completed advanced management programs at Thunderbird School of Global Management and Wharton Business School. His formal education laid a technical and global grounding for a career rooted in big‑picture thinking.
He joined Fluor in 1982 and steadily rose through roles of increasing responsibility until 2011. His assignments spanned global regions, from North America to the Middle East, and major Fluor businesses like operations, power, telecommunications, and project execution. By the late 2000s, he was working as Group President, leading multiple core businesses worldwide.
Leadership Beyond Fluor: The Sasol Years
In 2011, Constable moved to South Africa to lead Sasol Limited as its President and CEO. Over five years, he executed a sweeping organizational transformation, installing a new operating model focused on growth and execution discipline. His time there strengthened his global leadership abilities that gave him a fresh perspective on navigating large, complex industrial enterprises.
Return to Fluor and the Path to CEO
Constable returned to Fluor in 2019 as a board member, chairing its Commercial Strategies and Operational Risk Committee, a role that put him at the center of shaping corporate decisions.
On January 1, 2021, he officially assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Carlos Hernandez, who had guided Fluor through a critical financial restatement and turnaround period. The board chose Constable not only for his deep institutional knowledge but also for his fresh, broad experience at Sasol. Alan Boeckmann, Fluor’s then chairman, praised his balanced insight into Fluor’s operations and his proven risk‑focused leadership.
At the Helm: Steering Through Change
As CEO, Constable focused on reshaping Fluor, reducing risk, improving bottom‑line performance, and positioning the firm for growth in global markets. He spoke honestly to investors about the need for a leaner, more technology-forward Fluor that could capitalize on new energy and infrastructure opportunities.
His goal is to preserve Fluor’s legacy in heavy engineering and construction while embracing innovation in areas like carbon capture and power infrastructure.
In May 2022, the board elevated him to Executive Chairman, reflecting its confidence in his strategic leadership as operations continued under his oversight.
Transition and Legacy
In February 2025, Fluor announced that Jim Breuer, formerly chief operating officer, would succeed Constable as CEO effective May 1, 2025. Constable transitioned into a full-time Executive Chairman role to guide long‑term strategy and ensure a smooth handover to the new leadership team.
Despite stepping back from day-to-day operations, his fingerprints remain on many recent initiatives, rethinking risk, energizing project execution, and preparing Fluor for a changing market.
Professional Values and Board Service
Over his long career, Constable built a reputation for operational discipline and global awareness. He has served on the boards of ABB Ltd. since around 2015 and was on the boards of Rio Tinto plc and Rio Tinto Ltd. He was also a director at Anadarko Petroleum until its 2019 merger.
His leadership style combines engineering precision with business pragmatism. At Sasol, he led large‑scale cultural change. At Fluor, he emphasized foundational strength: risk management, execution reliability, and agility in changing markets.
Why His Story Matters
Constable’s journey reflects rare continuity in the volatile world of global engineering. From a young engineer sent around the world to group president, from outsider turned board chair, and finally to CEO and executive chairman, his arc mirrors Fluor’s own evolution.
He guided the company through financial headwinds, set a sharper strategic direction, and laid the groundwork for future growth in innovation‑driven sectors, including infrastructure and energy transition.
His steady hand during the leadership transition in early 2025 ensured Fluor avoided disruption and maintained investor confidence.
In His Own Words
Although Constable rarely gives flashy interviews, his messaging is clear: Fluor has “a unique value proposition, strong industry position, and the right talent” to move forward. He champions intelligent risk as a lever for growth and insists that global engineering firms must modernize to stay competitive, both operationally and technologically.
A Human Perspective
Behind the boardroom is a leader shaped by multiple cultures, continents, and crises. His corporate style favours quiet competence over drama. He listens before deciding. He values expertise and builds trust over time.
Fluor insiders describe him as “versatile” and “steady,” a go-to figure during change. At Sasol, he pushed transformation across continents. Back at Fluor, he combined retrospective knowledge with fresh leadership to guide the company through a pivotal era.
