James W. Connell

Jim is Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer for Centuri Group, Inc. He is responsible for enterprise strategic planning, business development, corporate communications, marketing, and brand management.

In this role, Jim is focused on leading strategic and long-range planning efforts, supporting Centuri’s vision for growth and sustainability. He also leads several strategic customer focused initiatives, including the development of key executive relationships, strategic alliances, contract renewals, and several executive customer forums. In addition, he has led the organization in the development of diverse business enterprise relationships with suppliers across the United States. He is also responsible for developing and executing enterprise marketing, public relations, and other corporate communications across Centuri’s key audiences.

Jim joined Centuri in 2006 as Director of Supply Chain and Asset Management for NPL Construction Co. He has led a number of initiatives across the organization in roles of increasing responsibility as Director of Risk Management and Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. He was promoted to Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Communications in 2017, and then to Executive Vice President, Chief Customer Officer in 2018. Prior to Centuri, Jim held various roles at Deere & Company in the Worldwide Construction and Forestry Division. Upon becoming Division Manager, Corporate Business Division in 2000, Jim built a number of executive relationships throughout the industry while developing strategies for growth.

Jim is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in technical systems management. He is an active supporter of several local charities, and founder of the Fore Griffin Foundation, dedicated to supporting children and families facing life-threatening and limiting conditions. Jim currently serves as a board member for the National Safety Council and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Scottsdale, AZ.